Kidney Cancer ICD 10 Code

Refresher: What Are ICD 10 Codes?

The ICD-10 codes are a clever way to classify and code diseases, injuries, and other health conditions. Comprised of coded digits, "ICD" is the International Classification of Diseases. This particular set of codes is known as 'ICD-10' since it is the tenth revision and hence the broadest of its edition yet. Healthcare professionals can rely on ICD-10 codes to keep track of patient diagnoses and symptoms, swiftly communicating this information without any ambiguity.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has maintained the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) since the late 19th century [¹]. This classification system began with only forty-four categories of diseases in its initial publication in 1893. As medical knowledge grew and diseases were observed in different ways, numerous revisions were made to the ICD, leading to its modernization and expansion we know of it today.

The World Health Organization took a step forward in 2018 [²], releasing the latest version of the International Classification of Diseases, the ICD-11. This new version contained some revolutionary changes and advances, such as including chapters on traditional medicine, sexual health, and gaming disorders– things that weren't previously considered to be classified as medical health disorders before.

To stay in tune with current technologies used in healthcare, the ICD also included information collected through digital health records so doctors could do further in-depth examinations connected to clients' electronic health databases. This addition of technology combined with other aspects of the ICD provides an international standard used by many healthcare professionals around the world.

What Is the ICD 10 Code for Kidney Cancer?

The ICD 10 Code for renal cancer, also known as kidney cancer, is C64 (malignant neoplasm of the kidney, except the renal pelvis). The ICD-10 code that encompasses malignant neoplasm of the renal pelvis is C65.

Primary Kidney Cancer ICD Code C64 Lookup

The primary ICD code for kidney cancer is C64, classified under malignant neoplasm of kidney cancer is mentioned below; [³]

Types of Kidney Cancer Coded Under C64

When it comes to cancer, the location of a tumor or other abnormal mass can often be identified with its corresponding ICD code. For instance, a C64 ICD code usually means that the cancer is located in the kidney except for the renal pelvis. However, this information doesn't expand on the subtype – meaning many more tests and procedures are required to accurately diagnose the exact variation.

Such details will help doctors determine the best possible treatment approach. Although there can be a few types of cancers common in this category;

• Renal cell carcinoma; This type of kidney cancer is the most common. In fact, it makes up around 85% of all cases. Rather than starting in the main parts of the kidney, it actually begins in cell linings in the small tubes — which act as filters for waste products from the blood. When this happens, the debris isn't removed like it should and instead builds. That's why this type of cancer is so suspectable.
• Wilms' tumor; Children are more likely than adults to be affected by this type of kidney cancer, as it typically targets just one of the kidneys. It all starts even before birth when cells within the forming fetal kidney start showing signs of transformation.
• Renal sarcoma; This type of kidney cancer is quite uncommon, beginning in the connective tissue or blood vessels of the kidney.

Secondary and Metastatic Kidney Cancer ICD 10 Code: C68.9

Secondary or metastatic cancers don't just appear out of nowhere. Rather, they spread from other parts of the body after affecting the original place, otherwise known as the primary site. This transfer can occur via the blood, through lymph nodes, or even by slipping through tiny membranes that divide our body parts. The ICD 10 for secondary kidney cancer or renal cancers metastasized from other locations is C68.9, “Malignant neoplasm of urinary organ, unspecified”

Conclusion

When it comes to ICD codes for kidney cancer, the code for malignant primary neoplasms of the kidney is C64. While ICD codes are extremely helpful for medical communication purposes, they do not provide any specifics on the type or subtype of a patient's cancer due to their broad characterization. Additional tests and procedures to confer a more precise diagnosis may be necessary. Such procedures allow clinicians to better distinguish between different types of kidney cancer and choose their preferred approaches to treatment.