Malignant neoplasm of hypopharynx (C13) ICD-10-CM
The C13 code range covers malignant neoplasm of hypopharynx 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:
- 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 2 Excludes
A type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.
- malignant neoplasm of pyriform sinus C12
Codes in the C13 Range 6 codes · 5 billable
- C13 Malignant neoplasm of hypopharynxNon-billable
- C13.0 Malignant neoplasm of postcricoid region
- C13.1 Malignant neoplasm of aryepiglottic fold, hypopharyngeal aspect
- C13.2 Malignant neoplasm of posterior wall of hypopharynx
- C13.8 Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of hypopharynx
- C13.9 Malignant neoplasm of hypopharynx, unspecified
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the C13 range.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck
The most common type of head and neck carcinoma that originates from cells on the surface of the NASAL CAVITY; MOUTH; PARANASAL SINUSES, SALIVARY GLANDS, and LARYNX. Mutations in TNFRSF10B, PTEN, and ING1 genes are associated with this cancer.
About the C13 Code Range
The ICD-10 code C13 and its subcategories are used to classify malignant tumors located in the hypopharynx, which is the bottom part of the throat. These codes specify the exact region within the hypopharynx affected by cancer, helping healthcare providers accurately document and manage head and neck cancers.
This section includes detailed codes like C13.0 for malignant neoplasm of the postcricoid region, often called squamous cell carcinoma of postcricoid region, and C13.1 for cancer of the aryepiglottic fold's hypopharyngeal aspect, sometimes referred to by synonyms such as squamous cell carcinoma of epiglottis or primary malignant neoplasm of hypopharynx. The code C13.2 applies to tumors on the posterior wall of the hypopharynx, while C13.8 covers overlapping sites within the hypopharynx. When the specific area isn’t documented, C13.9 is used for malignant neoplasm of hypopharynx, unspecified, which includes various carcinoma types like spindle cell or adenoid cystic carcinoma. Medical coders rely on these codes to precisely report the location and type of hypopharyngeal cancer, enhancing diagnosis and treatment documentation. These codes highlight the importance of recognizing different names and presentations of hypopharyngeal cancers when searching for the ICD-10 code for a specific tumor in this region.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the C13 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 C13 range classify?
The range classifies malignant neoplasm of hypopharynx. 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.
