2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C15.9

Malignant neoplasm of esophagus, unspecified

ICD-10-CM Code:
C15.9
ICD-10 Code for:
Malignant neoplasm of esophagus, unspecified
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)

C15.9 is a billable diagnosis code used to specify a medical diagnosis of malignant neoplasm of esophagus, unspecified. 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 .

Unspecified diagnosis codes like C15.9 are acceptable when clinical information is unknown or not available about a particular condition. Although a more specific code is preferable, unspecified codes should be used when such codes most accurately reflect what is known about a patient's condition. Specific diagnosis codes should not be used if not supported by the patient's medical record.

Approximate Synonyms

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

  • Adenocarcinoma of esophagus
  • Carcinoma of esophagus
  • Gastroduodenal disorder
  • Leiomyosarcoma of esophagus
  • Local recurrence of malignant tumor of esophagus
  • Lymphoma of lower esophagus
  • Malignant lymphoma of esophagus
  • Malignant lymphoma of esophagus
  • Malignant melanoma of esophagus
  • Malignant mesenchymal neoplasm of esophagus
  • Malignant tumor of esophagus
  • Malignant tumor of esophagus with NRG1 fusion
  • Malignant tumor of esophagus, stomach and duodenum
  • Malignant tumor of thoracic part of esophagus
  • Metastatic gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma
  • Perforated carcinoma of esophagus
  • Primary malignant mesenchymal neoplasm of esophagus
  • Primary malignant neoplasm of esophagus
  • Salivary gland type carcinoma of esophagus
  • Squamous cell carcinoma of esophagus
  • Undifferentiated carcinoma of esophagus

Clinical Classification

Clinical Information

  • Barrett Esophagus

    a condition with damage to the lining of the lower esophagus resulting from chronic acid reflux (esophagitis, reflux). through the process of metaplasia, the squamous cells are replaced by a columnar epithelium with cells resembling those of the intestine or the salmon-pink mucosa of the stomach. barrett's columnar epithelium is a marker for severe reflux and precursor to adenocarcinoma of the esophagus.
  • Esophageal Motility Disorders

    disorders affecting the motor function of the upper esophageal sphincter; lower esophageal sphincter; the esophagus body, or a combination of these parts. the failure of the sphincters to maintain a tonic pressure may result in gastric reflux of food and acid into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux). other disorders include hypermotility (spastic disorders) and markedly increased amplitude in contraction (nutcracker esophagus).
  • Esophageal Mucosa

    circular innermost layer of the esophagus wall that mediates esophageal peristalsis which pushes ingested food bolus toward the stomach.
  • Esophageal Neoplasms

    tumors or cancer of the esophagus.
  • Esophagus

    the muscular membranous segment between the pharynx and the stomach in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Convert C15.9 to ICD-9-CM

  • ICD-9-CM Code: 150.9 - Mal neo esophagus NOS

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
C15.9C78.89D00.1D13.0D37.8D49.0

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.