2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C39.9Malignant neoplasm of lower respiratory tract, part unspecified

ICD-10-CM CodesC00–D49C30-C39C39

ICD-10-CM C39.9
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

C39.9 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for malignant neoplasm of lower respiratory tract, part unspecified. 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. Coders also document this condition as malignant neoplasm of lower respiratory tract. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Respiratory cancers.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
C39.9
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Malignant neoplasm of lower respiratory tract, part unspecified
Short Description
Malignant neoplasm of lower respiratory tract, part unsp
Parent Code
Malignant neoplasm of other and ill-defined sites in the respiratory system and intrathoracic organs

Code Classification

ChapterC00–D49Neoplasms
SectionC30-C39Malignant neoplasms of respiratory and intrathoracic organs
CategoryC39Malignant neoplasm of other and ill-defined sites in the respiratory system and intrathoracic organs
This CodeC39.9Malignant neoplasm of lower respiratory tract, part unspecified

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Malignant neoplasm of lower respiratory tract
  • Malignant neoplasm of respiratory system
  • Primary malignant neoplasm of respiratory tract
  • Primary rhabdomyosarcoma of respiratory organ
  • Primary squamous cell carcinoma of respiratory system
  • Primary synovial sarcoma
  • Primary synovial sarcoma of respiratory organ
  • Synovial sarcoma

Tabular List NotesGuidance

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

Inclusion Terms

  • Malignant neoplasm of respiratory tract NOS

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.
respiratoryC39.9C78.30D02.4D14.4D38.6D49.1
respiratory organs or system NECC39.9C78.30D02.4D14.4D38.6D49.1
respiratory tract NECC39.9C78.30D02.4D14.4D38.5D49.1

Patient EducationClinical

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is cancer that forms in tissues of the lung, usually in the cells that line the air passages. It is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women.

The full article covers:

  • What is lung cancer?
  • Who is more likely to develop lung cancer?
  • What are the symptoms of lung cancer?
  • How is lung cancer diagnosed?
  • What are the treatments for lung cancer?
  • Can lung cancer be prevented?

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

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

Convert C39.9 to ICD-9-CMHistory

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

ICD-9-CM
165.8 Mal neo thorax/resp NEC
Approximate The match is approximate rather than exact.
ICD-9-CM
165.9 Mal neo resp system 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 C39.9Overview

Is C39.9 a billable code?

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

What MS-DRG does C39.9 group to?

When malignant neoplasm of lower respiratory tract, part unspecified 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 C39.9?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, malignant neoplasm of lower respiratory tract, part unspecified converts to ICD-9-CM 165.8 (mal neo thorax/resp NEC) and 165.9 (mal neo resp system 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.