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  2. ICD-10-CM Codes List
  3. C00–D49
  4. C30-C39
  5. Malignant neoplasm of heart, mediastinum and pleura (C38)

Malignant neoplasm of heart, mediastinum and pleura (C38)

The ICD-10 code C38 encompasses malignant tumors of the heart, mediastinum, and pleura. These codes help specify the exact location of primary cancers within these critical chest structures, allowing for precise diagnostic classification.

This section includes codes such as C38.0 for malignant neoplasm of the heart, covering various synonyms like malignant tumor of myocardium or pericardium, and C38.4 for malignant neoplasm of the pleura, including tumors of both parietal and visceral pleura. Codes C38.1 and C38.2 differentiate malignant tumors in the anterior and posterior mediastinum, often associated with terms like malignant germ cell neoplasm or sarcoma of the mediastinum. The code C38.3 covers unspecified parts of the mediastinum and includes conditions such as malignant pericardial effusion and mediastinal malignant teratoma. Lastly, C38.8 is used for overlapping malignant neoplasms affecting more than one of these sites. Medical coders use this ICD-10 code section to accurately classify cancers related specifically to the heart, mediastinum, or pleura, ensuring detailed documentation and billing for these complex malignancies.

Instructional Notations

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.

  • mesothelioma C45

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.

Endocardium

The innermost layer of the heart, comprised of endothelial cells.

Myocardial Stunning

Prolonged dysfunction of the myocardium after a brief episode of severe ischemia, with gradual return of contractile activity.

Myocardium

The muscle tissue of the HEART. It is composed of striated, involuntary muscle cells (MYOCYTES, CARDIAC) connected to form the contractile pump to generate blood flow.

Pericardial Fluid

Watery fluid produced in the serous and visceral pericardium surrounding the surface of the HEART.

Pericardium

A conical fibro-serous sac surrounding the HEART and the roots of the great vessels (AORTA; VENAE CAVAE; PULMONARY ARTERY). Pericardium consists of two sacs: the outer fibrous pericardium and the inner serous pericardium. The latter consists of an outer parietal layer facing the fibrous pericardium, and an inner visceral layer (epicardium) resting next to the heart, and a pericardial cavity between these two layers.