C18.6 - Malignant neoplasm of descending colon
| ICD-10: | C18.6 |
| Short Description: | Malignant neoplasm of descending colon |
| Long Description: | Malignant neoplasm of descending colon |
| Status: | Valid for Submission |
| Version: | ICD-10-CM 2023 |
| Code Classification: |
C18.6 is a billable ICD-10 code used to specify a medical diagnosis of malignant neoplasm of descending colon. The code is valid during the fiscal year 2023 from October 01, 2022 through September 30, 2023 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions.
The following anatomical sites found in the Table of Neoplasms reference this diagnosis code given the correct histological behavior: Neoplasm, neoplastic intestine, intestinal large colon descending or Neoplasm, neoplastic intestine, intestinal large colon distal or Neoplasm, neoplastic intestine, intestinal large colon left .
Approximate Synonyms
The following clinical terms are approximate synonyms or lay terms that might be used to identify the correct diagnosis code:
- Carcinoma of colon
- Carcinoma of descending colon
- Malignant tumor of descending colon
- Malignant tumor of splenic flexure
- Neoplasm of splenic flexure of colon
- Primary adenocarcinoma of colon
- Primary adenocarcinoma of descending colon
- Primary adenocarcinoma of descending colon and splenic flexure
- Primary adenocarcinoma of transverse colon
- Primary malignant neoplasm of descending colon
- Primary malignant neoplasm of splenic flexure of colon
- Primary malignant neoplasm of transverse colon
Convert to ICD-9 Code
| Source ICD-10 Code | Target ICD-9 Code | |
|---|---|---|
| C18.6 | 153.2 - Mal neo descend colon |
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 »intestine, intestinal »large »colon »descending | C18.6 | C78.5 | D01.0 | D12.4 | D37.4 | D49.0 |
| »Neoplasm, neoplastic »intestine, intestinal »large »colon »distal | C18.6 | C78.5 | D01.0 | D12.4 | D37.4 | D49.0 |
| »Neoplasm, neoplastic »intestine, intestinal »large »colon »left | C18.6 | C78.5 | D01.0 | D12.4 | D37.4 | D49.0 |
Patient Education
Colorectal Cancer
The colon and rectum are part of the large intestine. Colorectal cancer occurs when tumors form in the lining of the large intestine. It is common in both men and women. The risk of developing colorectal cancer rises after age 50. You're also more likely to get it if you have colorectal polyps, a family history of colorectal cancer, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, eat a diet high in fat, or smoke.
Symptoms of colorectal cancer include:
- Diarrhea or constipation
- A feeling that your bowel does not empty completely
- Blood (either bright red or very dark) in your stool
- Stools that are narrower than usual
- Frequent gas pains or cramps, or feeling full or bloated
- Weight loss with no known reason
- Fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
Because you may not have symptoms at first, it's important to have screening tests. Everyone over 50 should get screened. Tests include colonoscopy and tests for blood in the stool. Treatments for colorectal cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination. Surgery can usually cure it when it is found early.
NIH: National Cancer Institute
[Learn More in MedlinePlus]
Colon Cancer Summary
Learn about colon cancer risk factors, symptoms, tests to diagnose, factors affecting prognosis, staging, and treatment.[Learn More in MedlinePlus]
Code History
- 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 (First year ICD-10-CM implemented into the HIPAA code set)
