2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C15Malignant neoplasm of esophagus

ICD-10-CM Codes›C00–D49›C15-C26›C15

ICD-10-CM C15
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

C15 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for malignant neoplasm of esophagus, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as C15.3, C15.4, C15.5, and C15.8.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
C15
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Malignant neoplasm of esophagus
Short Description
Malignant neoplasm of esophagus
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Chapter
C15-C26
Malignant neoplasms of digestive organs

Code Classification

ChapterC00–D49Neoplasms
SectionC15-C26Malignant neoplasms of digestive organs
CategoryC15Malignant neoplasm of esophagus
This CodeC15Malignant neoplasm of esophagus

Specific Coding for Malignant neoplasm of esophagusOverview

Non-specific codes like C15 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use C15.3 for Malignant neoplasm of upper third of esophagus

  • Use C15.4 for Malignant neoplasm of middle third of esophagus

  • Use C15.5 for Malignant neoplasm of lower third of esophagus

  • Use C15.8 for Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of esophagus

  • Use C15.9 for Malignant neoplasm of esophagus, unspecified

Tabular List NotesGuidance

Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.

Use Additional Code

  • code to identify:
  • alcohol abuse and dependence F10

Patient EducationClinical

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:

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

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Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About C15Overview

Is C15 (Malignant neoplasm of esophagus) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for malignant neoplasm of esophagus, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for malignant neoplasm of esophagus need a more specific code from this category, such as C15.3, C15.4, and C15.5.