2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C38.4Malignant neoplasm of pleura

ICD-10-CM Codes›C00–D49›C30-C39›C38

ICD-10-CM C38.4
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

C38.4 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for malignant neoplasm of pleura. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 180 through 182. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Respiratory cancers.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
C38.4
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Malignant neoplasm of pleura
Short Description
Malignant neoplasm of pleura
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
C38
Malignant neoplasm of heart, mediastinum and pleura

Code Classification

ChapterC00–D49Neoplasms
SectionC30-C39Malignant neoplasms of respiratory and intrathoracic organs
CategoryC38Malignant neoplasm of heart, mediastinum and pleura
This CodeC38.4Malignant neoplasm of pleura

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Malignant neoplasm of parietal pleura
  • Malignant neoplasm of pleura
  • Malignant neoplasm of visceral pleura
  • Neoplasm of parietal pleura
  • Neoplasm of visceral pleura
  • Primary malignant germ cell neoplasm of pleura
  • Primary malignant neoplasm of parietal pleura
  • Primary malignant neoplasm of pleura
  • Primary malignant neoplasm of visceral pleura

Clinical ClassificationClinical

AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.

CCSR NEO022
Respiratory cancers
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

Table of NeoplasmsClinical

Anatomical sites in the Table of Neoplasms that reference this code family.

SiteMalig.
Primary		Malig.
Secondary		Ca
in situ		BenignUncertainUnspec.
pleura, pleural (cavity)C38.4C78.2–D19.0D38.2D49.1
pleura, pleural (cavity) › parietalC38.4C78.2–D19.0D38.2D49.1
pleura, pleural (cavity) › visceralC38.4C78.2–D19.0D38.2D49.1

Patient EducationClinical

Cancer

Cancer is not just one disease but many diseases. Cancer begins in your cells, which are the building blocks of your body. Usually, your body forms new cells as needed, replacing old cells that die. Sometimes this process goes wrong. New cells grow even when you don't need them, and old cells don't die when they should.

The full article covers:

  • What is cancer?
  • What are the types of cancer?
  • How does cancer develop?
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Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Convert C38.4 to ICD-9-CMHistory

The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.

ICD-9-CM
163.9 Malig neopl pleura NOS
Approximate The match is approximate rather than exact.

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 C38.4Overview

Is C38.4 (Malignant neoplasm of heart, mediastinum and pleura) a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report malignant neoplasm of pleura on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

What MS-DRG does C38.4 group to?

When malignant neoplasm of pleura is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 180, 181, 182, with relative weights from 0.7440 to 1.7660 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of C38.4?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, malignant neoplasm of pleura converts to ICD-9-CM 163.9 (malig neopl pleura NOS). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.

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.