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Stomach Cancer ICD 10 Code
Refresher: What Are ICD 10 Codes?
ICD-10 stands for the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision. It is a coding system used in healthcare to classify diagnoses, procedures, and symptoms systematically. CM indicates “Clinical Modification,” which is used in the U.S. for disease diagnoses (ICD-10-CM). ICD-10-PCS codes are used for coding procedures in inpatient settings. Both of these coding systems are used for medical claims and statistics purposes.
The ICD 10 coding system originated back in the 1850s. The first edition of ICD 10 coding was known as the International List of Causes of Death and was adopted by the International Statistical Institute in 1893. With more discoveries and rising challenges, WHO assumed oversight of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) by 1948. The organization aimed to track and eliminate diseases from various populations. At that time, the Sixth Revision (ICD 6) came forward to introduce the causes of morbidity to the pre-defined coding system. WHO continued to overcome the challenges of previous editions by bringing new ones to the surface. The organization published ICD 7 and ICD 8 in 1957 and 1968, respectively. By 1979, WHO had published the Ninth Revision (ICD 9) of the coding system, which established an opportunity for the U.S. to develop an exclusive version of the Ninth Revision, ICD 9-CM (clinical modification). [1]
ICD 9-CM set the ground for further developments to capture enhanced morbidity data. This (U.S.) version also incorporated surgical procedures and other parameters necessary for categorizing the needs of hospitals. While the Ninth Revision encompassed several crucial variables, ICD 9-CM (updated by CMS and the NCHS) had a limited capacity to add codes. After decades of planning and development, CMS and the NCHS introduced a new system, ICD 10-CM (Tenth Revision, clinical modification), to establish a comprehensive classification system that addressed the limitations of the previous version.
In general, ICD-10 codes are different for primary cancers (“malignant neoplasms”) and for metastatic lung cancer (“secondary malignant neoplasms”). [2]
What Is the ICD 10 Code for Stomach Cancer?
For primary stomach cancer tumors, the general ICD-10 code is C16 (malignant neoplasm of the stomach), whereas, for secondary or metastatic tumors, the ICD-10 code is C78.8 (secondary malignant neoplasm of other and unspecified digestive organs).
Primary Stomach Cancer ICD 10 Code: C16
Primary Stomach Cancer ICD Code C16 Lookup
Below is the table of the ICD 10 stomach cancer codes for primary stomach cancers, which are classified under C16, “malignant neoplasm of stomach”. [3]
Types of Stomach Cancer Coded Under C16
The ICD 10 code C16 does not specify the subtype of stomach cancer. A C16 code can also apply to the primary stomach cancers of various cell types. The following list covers the cell types to give you a better idea.
- Adenocarcinomas (intestinal and diffuse)
- Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (may be located in any part of the digestive tract)
- Neuroendocrine Tumors (developed in stomach cells)
- Lymphomas (may be located in the wall of the stomach)
- Squamous Cell Carcinomas
- Small Cell Carcinomas
- Leiomyosarcomas
In other words, stomach adenocarcinomas ICD 10, gastrointestinal stromal tumors ICD 10, neuroendocrine tumors ICD 10, lymphomas ICD 10, stomach squamous cell carcinomas ICD 10, stomach small cell carcinomas ICD 10 and leiomyosarcomas of stomach ICD 10 codes could all be C16 if they are determined to be primary malignant neoplasms of the stomach. To exemplify, a patient diagnosed with stage I adenocarcinoma of the stomach, with the tumor located in the body of the stomach, would be coded with C16.2.
Types of Stomach Cancer Excluded From C16
Malignant carcinoid tumor of the stomach (C7A.092) is excluded from C16. See more details at [4].
Secondary and Metastatic Stomach Cancer ICD 10 Code: C78.8
Secondary or Metastatic Stomach Cancer ICD 10 Code C78.8 Lookup
Secondary or metastatic cancers spread from other parts of the body after affecting the primary site. The cancers metastasized from other locations may form the same tumor as in the primary site. The ICD 10 stomach cancer code for secondary stomach cancers, or stomach cancers metastasized from other locations, is C78.8, “secondary malignant neoplasm of other and unspecified digestive organs”. [5]
They are further classified into C78.80 (secondary malignant neoplasm of unspecified digestive organ) and C78.89 (secondary malignant neoplasm of other digestive organs).
Conclusion
The ICD 10 code for stomach cancer depends on the position of the tumor and the primary or secondary formation of neoplasm. Stomach cancer ICD 10 codes are classified based on seven main subsites (cardia, fundus, body, pyloric antrum, pylorus, lesser curvature, and greater curvature), followed by overlapping and unspecified sites. Primary stomach cancers fall under ICD 10 C16 and secondary cancers lie in the C78.8. It is worth remembering that the ICD 10 code does not specify the exact stomach cancer type. The codes can be the same if two different types of stomach cancer are located in the same part. For accuracy of ICD 10 coding, understanding the origin and pathophysiology of stomach tumors and the patient’s condition is crucial.