ICD-10-CM Chapter 2: Neoplasms (C00-D49)

The neoplasm chapter contains the codes for most benign and all malignant neoplasms. Certain benign neoplasms such as prostatic adenomas maybe found in the specific body system chapters. To properly code a neoplasm, it is necessary to determine from the record if the neoplasm is benign, in-situ, malignant or of uncertain histologic behavior. If malignant, any secondary (metastatic) sites should also be determined.

• Malignant
• In situ
• Benign
• Uncertain

Functional Activity

All neoplasms are classified in this chapter, whether they are functionally active or not. An additional code from Chapter 4: Endocrine, Nutritional and Metabolic Disease may be used to identify functional activity associated with any neoplasm.

Morphology (Histology)

Classification of neoplasms is primarily by site (topography) with broad groupings for behavior, malignant, in situ, benign, etc. The Table of Neoplasms should be used to identify the correct topography code. In some cases, such as malignant melanoma and certain neuroendocrine tumors, the morphology (histology) is included in the category and codes.

Neoplasm Table Guidelines

The Neoplasm Table gives the code numbers for neoplasm by anatomical site. For each site there are six possible code numbers according to whether the neoplasm in question is malignant, benign, in-situ, of uncertain behavior or of unspecified nature. When such descriptors are not present, the reminder of the alphabetical index should be consulted.

Updated: December 3, 2018