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  3. Q00-Q99
  4. Q10-Q18
  5. Other congenital malformations of face and neck (Q18)

Other congenital malformations of face and neck (Q18)

The ICD-10 code Q18 covers a range of other congenital malformations specifically affecting the face and neck. These codes are used for identifying various rare, complex birth anomalies, including cysts, sinuses, webbing, and abnormal formations of facial and neck structures.

The detailed ICD-10 codes within the Q18 section include specific conditions such as Q18.0 for branchial cleft cysts and fistulas, commonly referred to by synonyms like "branchial cleft sinus" or "branchial cleft anomaly." Q18.1 identifies preauricular sinus and cyst, also known as preauricular fistulas or cysts near the ear. There are codes like Q18.3 for webbing of the neck, which may be called "neck webbing." Other codes like Q18.4 and Q18.5 define congenital conditions of mouth size, macrostomia (large mouth) and microstomia (small mouth), respectively. The section also includes codes for microcheilia and macrocheilia, describing small or large lips. More broadly, Q18.8 groups other specific rare congenital malformations of the face and neck, often linked to syndromes involving hypertelorism or absent eyebrow, while Q18.9 is used when the malformation is not otherwise specified. Understanding these synonyms and code specifics helps to accurately assign the correct ICD-10 code for congenital facial and neck malformations during diagnosis and medical documentation.

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.

  • cleft lip and cleft palate Q35 Q37
  • conditions classified to Q67.0 Q67.4
  • congenital malformations of skull and face bones Q75
  • cyclopia Q87.0
  • dentofacial anomalies [including malocclusion] M26
  • malformation syndromes affecting facial appearance Q87.0
  • persistent thyroglossal duct Q89.2

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.

Essential Tremor

A relatively common disorder characterized by a fairly specific pattern of tremors which are most prominent in the upper extremities and neck, inducing titubations of the head. The tremor is usually mild, but when severe may be disabling. An autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance may occur in some families (i.e., familial tremor). (Mov Disord 1988;13(1):5-10)

Hypertelorism

Abnormal increase in the interorbital distance due to overdevelopment of the lesser wings of the sphenoid.

Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome

Benign childhood alopecia that improves spontaneously with aging. It is characterized by anagen hairs (misshapen hair bulbs and absent inner and outer root sheaths), thin, and sparse hairs that pulls out easily.

Macrostomia

Greatly exaggerated width of the mouth, resulting from failure of union of the maxillary and mandibular processes, with extension of the oral orifice toward the ear. The defect may be unilateral or bilateral. (Dorland, 27th ed)

Microstomia

A congenital defect in which the mouth is unusually small. (Dorland, 27th ed)