2025 ICD-10-CM code C10.9
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Neoplasms - Malignant neoplasm of oropharynx, unspecified 2: Neoplasms Feed
Malignant neoplasm of the oropharynx, unspecified.
The medical necessity for the use of C10.9 is established by the confirmation of a malignant neoplasm in the oropharynx when a more specific site cannot be identified.
A patient with malignant neoplasm of the oropharynx may present with an ulcer (open sore) on the throat, ear pain, sore throat, a feeling of a lump in the throat with difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, and weight loss. The ulcer of the oropharynx may bleed and grow larger. If metastasis is present, the patient may have a lump or mass in the neck and enlarged lymph nodes. Providers diagnose the condition based on the patient’s history and examination of the mouth, throat, and neck. The provider may perform biopsy of any palpable neck mass or lymph nodes. He may perform an endoscopy to see if the cancer has spread. Imaging tests include X–rays, ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) to diagnose and stage the malignancy. Depending on the stage of the cancer, treatment involves chemotherapy in combination with radiation therapy and surgery to remove any abnormal masses and tissue around the throat or oropharynx. Targeted chemotherapy, which blocks the proliferation of cancer cells rather than killing the cells and causes less damage to surrounding tissue, may be used in combination with these other treatments.
In simple words: Cancer of the oropharynx (the part of your throat at the back of your mouth).
Malignant neoplasm of oropharynx (a portion of the throat, or pharynx, that is open to the mouth) refers to a cancerous mass that can spread to other tissues. It is commonly found in patients with poor oral hygiene or who are chain smokers, use snuff, or abuse alcohol. Previous exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV) and radiation also cause malignant neoplasm of the oropharynx. The provider does not document the part of the oropharynx.
Example 1: A 60-year-old male with a history of heavy smoking presents with persistent sore throat and difficulty swallowing.Physical examination reveals a mass in the oropharynx. Biopsy confirms squamous cell carcinoma.C10.9 is coded as the primary diagnosis., A 45-year-old female with no significant medical history presents with a painless lump in her neck. Imaging and subsequent biopsy reveal metastatic squamous cell carcinoma, with the primary site suspected to be the oropharynx, though the exact location is not specified.C10.9 is used to code the primary malignancy., A 55-year-old male undergoes a panendoscopy for evaluation of hoarseness.A malignant tumor is discovered in the oropharynx, with no specific subsite identified in the operative report.The pathology report confirms malignancy. C10.9 is assigned.
Documentation of the diagnosis of malignant neoplasm of the oropharynx by appropriate diagnostic methods, such as biopsy and imaging. If the specific subsite is known it should be documented and coded.
- Specialties:Otolaryngology, Oncology, Head and Neck Surgery, Radiation Oncology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Physician's Office