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  2. ICD-10-CM Codes List
  3. C00–D49
  4. C00-C14
  5. Malignant neoplasm of nasopharynx (C11)

Malignant neoplasm of nasopharynx (C11)

The ICD-10 code C11 and its subcodes are used to classify different types of malignant neoplasms of the nasopharynx, which is the upper part of the throat behind the nose. These codes specify the precise location of the cancer within the nasopharynx, from the superior to anterior walls, lateral wall, overlapping sites, or remain unspecified when exact location details are unavailable.

Medical coders use these codes to identify nasopharyngeal cancers accurately, including those referred to by common synonyms like primary squamous cell carcinoma, undifferentiated carcinoma, or lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the nasopharynx. For example, C11.0 is for malignant neoplasm of the superior wall, often called undifferentiated carcinoma of the nasopharynx, while C11.1 covers tumors of the posterior wall, sometimes known as adenoid squamous cell carcinoma. The code C11.9 is used when the cancer’s specific site in the nasopharynx is not documented, encompassing many variants like nasopharyngeal carcinoma or keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma. These distinctions are crucial in clinical documentation for precise diagnosis and treatment planning.

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

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.

Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

A carcinoma that originates in the EPITHELIUM of the NASOPHARYNX and includes four subtypes: keratinizing squamous cell, non-keratinizing, basaloid squamous cell, and PAPILLARY ADENOCARCINOMA. It is most prevalent in Southeast Asian populations and is associated with EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS INFECTIONS. Somatic mutations associated with this cancer have been identified in NPCR, BAP1, UBAP1, ERBB2, ERBB3, MLL2, PIK3CA, KRAS, NRAS, and ARID1A genes.