Malignant neoplasm of esophagus (C15) ICD-10-CM
The C15 code range covers malignant neoplasm of esophagus with 6 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 5 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
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:
- alcohol abuse and dependence F10
Codes in the C15 Range 6 codes · 5 billable
- C15 Malignant neoplasm of esophagusNon-billable
- C15.3 Malignant neoplasm of upper third of esophagus
- C15.4 Malignant neoplasm of middle third of esophagus
- C15.5 Malignant neoplasm of lower third of esophagus
- C15.8 Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of esophagus
- C15.9 Malignant neoplasm of esophagus, unspecified
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the C15 range.
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.
About the C15 Code Range
ICD-10 codes C15 and its subcategories identify malignant neoplasms of the esophagus, specifying the tumor's precise location within the esophagus when known. These codes enable detailed reporting for cancers located in the upper, middle, lower thirds, overlapping sites, or when the exact location is unspecified.
The ICD-10 code for malignant neoplasm of the esophagus begins with C15, a broad category for esophageal cancer. It further divides into subcodes like C15.3 for cancers of the upper third (also known as primary carcinoma of the cervical part), C15.4 for the middle third (thoracic esophagus cancers), and C15.5 for the lower third, often linked with Barrett's esophagus and adenocarcinoma types. C15.8 is used when tumors span overlapping regions, and C15.9 applies when the specific site is not identified, covering diverse malignancies such as squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, lymphoma, and rare types like leiomyosarcoma. These distinctions are critical for accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and medical coding related to esophageal cancer.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the C15 range?
Of the 6 codes in this range, 5 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the C15 range classify?
The range classifies malignant neoplasm of esophagus. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
