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  2. ICD-10-CM Codes List
  3. C00–D49
  4. C15-C26
  5. Malignant neoplasm of pancreas (C25)

Malignant neoplasm of pancreas (C25)

The ICD-10 code C25 and its subcodes classify different types of malignant tumors of the pancreas. These codes are specifically used to document the location and nature of pancreatic cancer, essential for precise diagnosis and treatment plans.

Each subcode under C25 pinpoints the exact site of malignancy in the pancreas. For example, C25.0 corresponds to cancer in the head of the pancreas, also known as "primary carcinoma of head of pancreas" or "Bard-Pic syndrome." C25.1 identifies tumors in the body of the pancreas, while C25.2 refers to the tail. The code C25.3 is for malignant neoplasms of the pancreatic duct, encompassing specific types like "pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma" and "intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm." Endocrine pancreas cancers, such as malignant insulinoma or gastrinoma, are coded as C25.4. Other specific areas, overlapping sites, or unspecified locations use codes C25.7, C25.8, and C25.9. Recognizing terms like "adenocarcinoma," "carcinoma," or "malignant tumor of pancreas" helps coders accurately assign these codes according to the tumor's anatomical location and pathology. This classification allows clear communication and proper billing for pancreatic cancer care.

Instructional Notations

Code Also

A "code also" note instructs that two codes may be required to fully describe a condition, but this note does not provide sequencing direction.

  • if applicable exocrine pancreatic insufficiency K86.81

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

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.

Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal

Carcinoma that arises from the PANCREATIC DUCTS. It accounts for the majority of cancers derived from the PANCREAS.

Cystic Fibrosis

An autosomal recessive genetic disease of the EXOCRINE GLANDS. It is caused by mutations in the gene encoding the CYSTIC FIBROSIS TRANSMEMBRANE CONDUCTANCE REGULATOR expressed in several organs including the LUNG, the PANCREAS, the BILIARY SYSTEM, and the SWEAT GLANDS. Cystic fibrosis is characterized by epithelial secretory dysfunction associated with ductal obstruction resulting in AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION; chronic RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS; PANCREATIC INSUFFICIENCY; maldigestion; salt depletion; and HEAT PROSTRATION.

Gastrinoma

A GASTRIN-secreting neuroendocrine tumor of the non-beta ISLET CELLS, the GASTRIN-SECRETING CELLS. This type of tumor is primarily located in the PANCREAS or the DUODENUM. Majority of gastrinomas are malignant. They metastasize to the LIVER; LYMPH NODES; and BONE but rarely elsewhere. The presence of gastrinoma is one of three requirements to be met for identification of ZOLLINGER-ELLISON SYNDROME, which sometimes occurs in families with MULTIPLE ENDOCRINE NEOPLASIA TYPE 1; (MEN 1).

Insulin Infusion Systems

Portable or implantable devices for infusion of insulin. Includes open-loop systems which may be patient-operated or controlled by a pre-set program and are designed for constant delivery of small quantities of insulin, increased during food ingestion, and closed-loop systems which deliver quantities of insulin automatically based on an electronic glucose sensor.

Islets of Langerhans

Irregular microscopic structures consisting of cords of endocrine cells that are scattered throughout the PANCREAS among the exocrine acini. Each islet is surrounded by connective tissue fibers and penetrated by a network of capillaries. There are four major cell types. The most abundant beta cells (50-80%) secrete INSULIN. Alpha cells (5-20%) secrete GLUCAGON. PP cells (10-35%) secrete PANCREATIC POLYPEPTIDE. Delta cells (~5%) secrete SOMATOSTATIN.

Nesidioblastosis

An inherited autosomal recessive syndrome characterized by the disorganized formation of new islets in the PANCREAS and CONGENITAL HYPERINSULINISM. It is due to focal hyperplasia of pancreatic ISLET CELLS budding off from the ductal structures and forming new islets of Langerhans. Mutations in the islet cells involve the potassium channel gene KCNJ11 or the ATP-binding cassette transporter gene ABCC8, both on CHROMOSOME 11.

Pancreas

A nodular organ in the ABDOMEN that contains a mixture of ENDOCRINE GLANDS and EXOCRINE GLANDS. The small endocrine portion consists of the ISLETS OF LANGERHANS secreting a number of hormones into the blood stream. The large exocrine portion (EXOCRINE PANCREAS) is a compound acinar gland that secretes several digestive enzymes into the pancreatic ductal system that empties into the DUODENUM.

Pancreas Divisum

Anatomic variants in PANCREATIC DUCTS characterized by failure of fusion of the ventral and dorsal endodermal buds. Pancreas divisum results in inadequate or no communication between dorsal and ventral ducts. While most cases are asymptomatic, it may be associated with recurrent PANCREATITIS.

Pancreas Transplantation

The transference of a pancreas from one human or animal to another.

Pancreas, Artificial

Devices for simulating the activity of the pancreas. They can be either electromechanical, consisting of a glucose sensor, computer, and insulin pump or bioartificial, consisting of isolated islets of Langerhans in an artificial membrane.

Pancreas, Exocrine

The major component (about 80%) of the PANCREAS composed of acinar functional units of tubular and spherical cells. The acinar cells synthesize and secrete several digestive enzymes such as TRYPSINOGEN; LIPASE; AMYLASE; and RIBONUCLEASE. Secretion from the exocrine pancreas drains into the pancreatic ductal system and empties into the DUODENUM.

Pancreatic Neoplasms

Tumors or cancer of the PANCREAS. Depending on the types of ISLET CELLS present in the tumors, various hormones can be secreted: GLUCAGON from PANCREATIC ALPHA CELLS; INSULIN from PANCREATIC BETA CELLS; and SOMATOSTATIN from the SOMATOSTATIN-SECRETING CELLS. Most are malignant except the insulin-producing tumors (INSULINOMA).

Pancrelipase

A preparation of hog pancreatic enzymes standardized for lipase content.

Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome

An inherited syndrome characterized by EXOCRINE PANCREATIC INSUFFICIENCY; hematologic abnormalities (e.g., bone marrow hypoplasia), and skeletal abnormalities (e.g., metaphyseal chondroplasia). GERMLINE MUTATIONS in the SBDS gene are associated with Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome.