Malignant neoplasm of other and ill-defined digestive organs (C26) ICD-10-CM
The C26 code range covers malignant neoplasm of other and ill-defined digestive organs with 4 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 3 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
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.
- malignant neoplasm of peritoneum and retroperitoneum C48
Codes in the C26 Range 4 codes · 3 billable
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the C26 range.
Dermatofibrosarcoma
A sarcoma of the deep layers of the skin. The tumors are locally aggressive tends to recur but rarely metastatic. It can be classified into variants depending on the cell type tumors are derived from or by its characteristics: Pigmented variant from MELANIN-containing DERMAL DENDRITIC CELLS; Myxoid variant, myxoid STROMAL CELLS; Giant cell variant characterized by GIANT CELLS in the tumors; and Fibrosarcomatous variant chracterized by tumor areas histologically indistinguishable from FIBROSARCOMA.
Fibrosarcoma
A sarcoma derived from deep fibrous tissue, characterized by bundles of immature proliferating fibroblasts with variable collagen formation, which tends to invade locally and metastasize by the bloodstream. (Stedman, 25th ed)
About the C26 Code Range
ICD-10 code C26 covers malignant neoplasms in less commonly specified or ambiguous locations of the digestive organs. This section includes cancers of parts of the digestive system that do not fit into more specific categories, helping medical coders accurately classify complex or unclear digestive malignancies.
Within this section, C26.0 is used for malignant tumors of the intestinal tract when the exact part is unspecified, encompassing conditions like malignant neoplasm of intestine due to familial adenomatous polyposis or primary adenocarcinoma of the intestinal tract. The code C26.1 specifically identifies malignant neoplasms of the spleen, such as fibrosarcoma and angiosarcoma, clarifying diagnoses related to primary malignant spleen tumors. Additionally, C26.9 refers to malignant neoplasms in ill-defined sites within the digestive system, including overlapping tumors affecting multiple gastrointestinal areas and various adenocarcinomas. Using these codes assists in precise documentation and billing of stomach, intestinal, and spleen cancers that are otherwise difficult to classify, making this ICD-10 section essential for managing uncommon or complex digestive cancers.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the C26 range?
Of the 4 codes in this range, 3 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 C26 range classify?
The range classifies malignant neoplasm of other and ill-defined digestive organs. 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.
