2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C15.3

Malignant neoplasm of upper third of esophagus

ICD-10-CM Code:
C15.3
ICD-10 Code for:
Malignant neoplasm of upper third of esophagus
Is Billable?
Yes - Valid for Submission
Chronic Condition Indicator: [1]
Chronic
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Neoplasms
    (C00–D49)
    • Malignant neoplasms of digestive organs
      (C15-C26)
      • Malignant neoplasm of esophagus
        (C15)

C15.3 is a billable diagnosis code used to specify a medical diagnosis of malignant neoplasm of upper third of esophagus. The code is valid during the current fiscal year for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions from October 01, 2023 through September 30, 2024.

The following anatomical sites found in the Table of Neoplasms reference this diagnosis code given the correct histological behavior: Neoplasm, neoplastic esophagus cervical or Neoplasm, neoplastic esophagus proximal (third) or Neoplasm, neoplastic esophagus upper (third) .

Approximate Synonyms

The following clinical terms are approximate synonyms or lay terms that might be used to identify the correct diagnosis code:

  • Carcinoma of cervical part of esophagus
  • Carcinoma of upper third of esophagus
  • Malignant tumor of cervical part of esophagus
  • Malignant tumor of upper third of esophagus
  • Neoplasm of cervical esophagus
  • Neoplasm of cervical esophagus
  • Neoplasm of cervical esophagus
  • Neoplasm of cervical esophagus
  • Primary adenocarcinoma of upper third of esophagus
  • Primary carcinoma of cervical part of esophagus
  • Primary carcinoma of upper third of esophagus
  • Primary malignant neoplasm of cervical esophagus
  • Primary malignant neoplasm of upper third of esophagus
  • Primary squamous cell carcinoma of upper third of esophagus

Clinical Classification

Convert C15.3 to ICD-9-CM

  • ICD-9-CM Code: 150.0 - Mal neo cervical esophag
    Approximate Flag - The approximate mapping means there is not an exact match between the ICD-10 and ICD-9 codes and the mapped code is not a precise representation of the original code.
  • ICD-9-CM Code: 150.3 - Mal neo upper 3rd esoph
    Approximate Flag - The approximate mapping means there is not an exact match between the ICD-10 and ICD-9 codes and the mapped code is not a precise representation of the original code.

Table of Neoplasms

This code is referenced in the table of neoplasms 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. The description of the neoplasm will often indicate which of the six columns is appropriate.

Where such descriptors are not present, the remainder of the Index should be consulted where guidance is given to the appropriate column for each morphological (histological) variety listed. However, the guidance in the Index can be overridden if one of the descriptors mentioned above is present.

Neoplasm, neoplastic Malignant
Primary
Malignant
Secondary
CaInSitu Benign Uncertain
Behavior
Unspecified
Behavior
»Neoplasm, neoplastic
  »esophagus
    »cervical
C15.3C78.89D00.1D13.0D37.8D49.0
»Neoplasm, neoplastic
  »esophagus
    »proximal (third)
C15.3C78.89D00.1D13.0D37.8D49.0
»Neoplasm, neoplastic
  »esophagus
    »upper (third)
C15.3C78.89D00.1D13.0D37.8D49.0

Patient Education


Esophageal Cancer

The esophagus is a hollow tube that carries food and liquids from your throat to your stomach. Early esophageal cancer usually does not cause symptoms. Later, you may have symptoms such as:

  • Painful or difficult swallowing
  • Weight loss
  • A hoarse voice or cough that doesn't go away

You're at greater risk for getting esophageal cancer if you smoke, drink heavily, or have acid reflux. Your risk also goes up as you age

Your doctor uses imaging tests and a biopsy to diagnose esophageal cancer. Treatments include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. You might also need nutritional support, since the cancer or treatment may make it hard to swallow.

NIH: National Cancer Institute


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Esophageal Cancer—Patient Version

Learn about esophageal cancer risk factors, symptoms, tests to diagnose, factors affecting prognosis, staging, and treatment.
[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.

Footnotes

[1] Chronic - a chronic condition code indicates a condition lasting 12 months or longer and its effect on the patient based on one or both of the following criteria:

  • The condition results in the need for ongoing intervention with medical products,treatment, services, and special equipment
  • The condition places limitations on self-care, independent living, and social interactions.