Malignant neoplasm of pyriform sinus (C12)

The ICD-10 code C12 is used to identify a malignant tumor located in the pyriform sinus, a part of the hypopharynx. This code captures cancers specifically arising in this anatomical region.

Malignant neoplasm of pyriform sinus refers to cancer affecting the pyriform fossa, often called by several synonyms such as carcinoma of pyriform fossa, squamous cell carcinoma of piriform sinus, or primary squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx. These terms describe the same condition that involves cancerous growths in the lower throat area surrounding the larynx. The ICD-10 code for this condition ensures precise classification of head and neck cancers, particularly those arising from squamous cells in this specific site. Healthcare providers and medical coders rely on code C12 to document, track, and manage treatment for this type of primary malignant tumor, facilitating clear communication and accurate billing in oncology care related to hypopharyngeal cancer.

Instructional Notations

Inclusion Terms

These terms are the conditions for which that code is to be used. The terms may be synonyms of the code title, or, in the case of "other specified" codes, the terms are a list of the various conditions assigned to that code. The inclusion terms are not necessarily exhaustive. Additional terms found only in the Alphabetic Index may also be assigned to a code.

  • Malignant neoplasm of pyriform fossa

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