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  2. ICD-10-CM Codes List
  3. C00–D49
  4. C15-C26
  5. Malignant neoplasm of other and ill-defined digestive organs (C26)

Malignant neoplasm of other and ill-defined digestive organs (C26)

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.

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.

  • malignant neoplasm of peritoneum and retroperitoneum C48

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.

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)