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  2. ICD-10-CM Codes List
  3. C00–D49
  4. C30-C39
  5. Malignant neoplasm of bronchus and lung (C34)

Malignant neoplasm of bronchus and lung (C34)

The ICD-10 codes C34 and its subcodes are specifically used to identify and classify various forms of malignant neoplasms (cancers) of the bronchus and lung. These codes enable healthcare providers to detail the exact location and type of lung cancer for accurate diagnosis and treatment documentation.

Malignant neoplasm of bronchus and lung includes cancerous growths arising in different parts of the bronchial tree and lung lobes. For example, code C34.0 covers cancer of the main bronchus, with subcodes such as C34.00 identifying unspecified main bronchus tumors and C34.01 or C34.02 specifying right or left main bronchus cancers. Other subcodes like C34.1 through C34.3 indicate tumors in the upper, middle, or lower lobes of the lung. Overlapping site tumors are coded under C34.8, and unspecified locations use C34.9. Many subcodes come with synonyms that help link common cancer types ; such as primary squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, small cell carcinoma, or Pancoast tumor ; directly to their corresponding ICD-10 code. This is essential for medical coders finding the appropriate code for conditions often referred to by these alternate names. Overall, the ICD-10 code for malignant neoplasm of bronchus and lung assists in precisely categorizing lung cancers based on their anatomical site and histology for clinical, reporting, and billing purposes.

  • Neoplasms (C00–D49)

    • Malignant neoplasms of respiratory and intrathoracic organs (C30-C39)

        • Malignant neoplasm of bronchus and lung (C34)

        • C34 Malignant neoplasm of bronchus and lung
        • C34.0 Malignant neoplasm of main bronchus
        • C34.00 Malignant neoplasm of unspecified main bronchus
        • C34.01 Malignant neoplasm of right main bronchus
        • C34.02 Malignant neoplasm of left main bronchus
        • C34.1 Malignant neoplasm of upper lobe, bronchus or lung
        • C34.10 Malignant neoplasm of upper lobe, unspecified bronchus or lung
        • C34.11 Malignant neoplasm of upper lobe, right bronchus or lung
        • C34.12 Malignant neoplasm of upper lobe, left bronchus or lung
        • C34.2 Malignant neoplasm of middle lobe, bronchus or lung
        • C34.3 Malignant neoplasm of lower lobe, bronchus or lung
        • C34.30 Malignant neoplasm of lower lobe, unspecified bronchus or lung
        • C34.31 Malignant neoplasm of lower lobe, right bronchus or lung
        • C34.32 Malignant neoplasm of lower lobe, left bronchus or lung
        • C34.8 Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of bronchus and lung
        • C34.80 Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of unspecified bronchus and lung
        • C34.81 Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of right bronchus and lung
        • C34.82 Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of left bronchus and lung
        • C34.9 Malignant neoplasm of unspecified part of bronchus or lung
        • C34.90 Malignant neoplasm of unspecified part of unspecified bronchus or lung
        • C34.91 Malignant neoplasm of unspecified part of right bronchus or lung
        • C34.92 Malignant neoplasm of unspecified part of left bronchus or lung

Instructional Notations

Use Additional Code

The “use additional code” indicates that a secondary code could be used to further specify the patient’s condition. This note is not mandatory and is only used if enough information is available to assign an additional code.

  • code to identify:
  • exposure to environmental tobacco smoke Z77.22
  • exposure to tobacco smoke in the perinatal period P96.81
  • history of tobacco dependence Z87.891
  • occupational exposure to environmental tobacco smoke Z57.31
  • tobacco dependence F17
  • tobacco use Z72.0

Type 1 Excludes

A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.

  • Kaposi's sarcoma of lung C46.5
  • malignant carcinoid tumor of the bronchus and lung C7A.090

Clinical Terms

The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.

Adenocarcinoma of Lung

A carcinoma originating in the lung and the most common lung cancer type in never-smokers. Malignant cells exhibit distinct features such as glandular epithelial, or tubular morphology. Mutations in KRAS, EGFR, BRAF, and ERBB2 genes are associated with this cancer.

Pulmonary Blastoma

A malignant neoplasm of the lung composed chiefly or entirely of immature undifferentiated cells (i.e., blast forms) with little or virtually no stroma. (From Stedman, 25th ed)