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  2. ICD-10-CM Codes List
  3. C00–D49
  4. C15-C26
  5. Malignant neoplasm of esophagus (C15)

Malignant neoplasm of esophagus (C15)

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.

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:
  • alcohol abuse and dependence F10

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.

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.