Malignant neoplasm of other and unspecified major salivary glands (C08) ICD-10-CM
The C08 code range covers malignant neoplasm of other and unspecified major salivary glands 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.
Includes
This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
- malignant neoplasm of salivary ducts
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:
- alcohol abuse and dependence F10
- 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 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 neoplasms of specified minor salivary glands which are classified according to their anatomical location
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.
Codes in the C08 Range 4 codes · 3 billable
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the C08 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.
Submandibular Gland
One of two salivary glands in the neck, located in the space bound by the two bellies of the digastric muscle and the angle of the mandible. It discharges through the submandibular duct. The secretory units are predominantly serous although a few mucous alveoli, some with serous demilunes, occur. (Stedman, 25th ed)
Submandibular Gland Diseases
Diseases involving the SUBMANDIBULAR GLAND.
Submandibular Gland Neoplasms
New abnormal growth of tissue in the SUBMANDIBULAR GLAND.
About the C08 Code Range
The ICD-10 code C08 and its subcodes are used to identify and classify malignant tumors originating in major salivary glands other than the parotid. These codes cover cancers in specific glands like the submandibular (C08.0) and sublingual glands (C08.1), as well as cases where the exact gland is unspecified (C08.9).
Specifically, the ICD-10 code for malignant neoplasm of submandibular gland (C08.0) includes various primary cancer types such as adenoid cystic carcinoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma. These synonyms help medical coders accurately link clinical diagnoses like "Primary carcinoma of submandibular gland" or "Malignant tumor of submandibular gland" to this code. Similarly, C08.1 covers malignant tumors of the sublingual gland under terms like "Primary carcinoma of sublingual gland" and "Primary squamous cell carcinoma of sublingual gland," ensuring precision in coding head and neck cancers. When the site within the major salivary glands is not specified, C08.9 is used, encompassing various overlapping malignant tumors and carcinomas of salivary gland ducts. Understanding these distinctions helps healthcare professionals correctly code and report cancers affecting salivary glands, facilitating accurate clinical documentation and epidemiologic tracking.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the C08 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 C08 range classify?
The range classifies malignant neoplasm of other and unspecified major salivary glands. 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.
