In simple words: Pancreatic cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the pancreas. The pancreas is a gland behind the stomach and in front of the spine. It produces juices that help break down food and hormones, such as insulin, that help control blood sugar levels. Most pancreatic cancers begin in exocrine cells. Exocrine cells make enzymes for digestion. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer may not appear until the cancer has grown quite large. Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer include jaundice, pain, and weight loss. Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer and includes surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Malignant neoplasm of the pancreas refers to the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells within the pancreas.The pancreas is an organ located behind the stomach that produces enzymes for digestion and hormones like insulin to regulate blood sugar.Malignant neoplasms of the pancreas are typically adenocarcinomas, arising from the cells lining the ducts of the pancreas. Less common types include neuroendocrine tumors, which originate in the hormone-producing cells.

Example 1: A 65-year-old patient presents with jaundice, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Imaging studies reveal a mass in the head of the pancreas. Biopsy confirms pancreatic adenocarcinoma., A 50-year-old patient with a family history of pancreatic cancer undergoes genetic testing and is found to have a mutation in the BRCA2 gene. Surveillance imaging detects a small tumor in the tail of the pancreas, allowing for early surgical intervention., A 70-year-old patient with newly diagnosed diabetes and unexplained weight loss is found to have a locally advanced pancreatic tumor.The patient receives chemotherapy and radiation therapy to shrink the tumor before surgery.

Documentation should include details of the patient's history, physical examination findings, imaging results (e.g., CT, MRI, ultrasound), biopsy reports confirming the diagnosis, and operative reports if surgery is performed.The documentation must support the diagnosis of malignancy and specify the location and extent of the tumor within the pancreas. It should also include information about any associated conditions, such as diabetes or pancreatitis, as well as any relevant family history.

** Code C25 is a general code for malignant neoplasm of the pancreas. More specific codes exist (C25.0-C25.9) to identify the location of the tumor within the pancreas (head, body, tail, etc.) and whether the tumor is overlapping or unspecified.If applicable, additional codes should be used to document associated conditions like exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (K86.81) or contributing factors such as alcohol abuse (F10.-).