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  2. ICD-10-CM Codes List
  3. C00–D49
  4. C00-C14
  5. Malignant neoplasm of hypopharynx (C13)

Malignant neoplasm of hypopharynx (C13)

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.

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 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

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.

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.