Malignant neoplasm of vulva (C51)
The ICD-10 code C51 series is used to identify malignant neoplasms, or cancers, specifically affecting various parts of the vulva. These codes help classify cancers such as those in the labium majus, labium minus, clitoris, overlapping vulvar sites, and unspecified vulvar malignancies.
Each code in the C51 category corresponds to a specific location of vulvar cancer. For example, C51.0 represents malignant tumors of the labium majus, including conditions known as primary carcinoma of Bartholin gland or basal cell carcinoma of the vulva. The code C51.1 is used for cancers of the labium minus, while C51.2 denotes malignant neoplasms of the clitoris. The C51.8 code captures cancers that overlap several vulvar areas. When the cancer location on the vulva is not specified or has complex pathology like Paget's disease or squamous cell carcinoma of anogenital areas, C51.9 is applied. These distinctions in the ICD-10 code for vulvar cancers enable precise diagnosis, reporting, and treatment documentation, supporting healthcare providers and medical coders in accurately categorizing vulvar malignancies based on their site and nature.
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.
- carcinoma in situ of vulva D07.1
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.
Clitoris
An erectile structure homologous with the penis, situated beneath the anterior labial commissure, partially hidden between the anterior ends of the labia minora.
Pudendal Nerve
A nerve which originates in the sacral spinal cord (S2 to S4) and innervates the PERINEUM, the external GENITALIA, the external ANAL SPHINCTER and the external urethral sphincter. It has three major branches: the perineal nerve, inferior anal nerves, and the dorsal nerve of penis or clitoris.
