2025 ICD-10-CM code C41

Malignant neoplasm of bone and articular cartilage of other and unspecified sites

Use additional codes from Chapter 4 to identify any associated functional activity.If the neoplasm overlaps contiguous sites, use subcategory .8 unless a specific combination code exists. For non-contiguous tumors at the same site (e.g., different breast quadrants), code each site separately.

Medical necessity is established by the diagnosis of a malignant neoplasm, impacting bone and/or articular cartilage.Treatment is necessary to manage the cancer and prevent further complications, such as pathological fractures or metastasis.

Diagnosis involves patient history, physical examination, blood tests (alkaline phosphatase), biopsy, and imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI, angiogram, PET). Treatment, based on TNM staging, can include amputation, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and cryosurgery.

In simple words: Cancer of the bone and joint cartilage in areas not including the arms and legs, or in a location that isn't specified.This can lead to pain, swelling, fever, limited movement, and broken bones. Diagnosis is made through physical exam, blood tests, imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI, PET), and biopsy. Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer and may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or freezing the tumor.

Malignant neoplasm affecting the bone and articular cartilage in locations other than the limbs, or in an unspecified site. This includes neoplasms whose point of origin cannot be classified to any one of the categories C40-C41.4.

Example 1: A patient presents with pain and swelling in the rib cage. After imaging and biopsy, a malignant neoplasm of the rib bone is diagnosed., A patient experiences persistent jaw pain.A biopsy reveals a malignant neoplasm of the jaw bone., A patient with a history of cancer develops a pathological fracture in the spine. Imaging confirms a malignant neoplasm in a spinal vertebra.

Documentation should include details of the affected site (if known), confirmation of malignancy through biopsy, imaging findings, and TNM staging information.

** Excludes malignant neoplasm of bones of limbs (C40.-), cartilage of ear (C49.0), cartilage of eyelid (C49.0), cartilage of larynx (C32.3), cartilage of limbs (C40.-), and cartilage of nose (C30.0).

  • Payment Status: Active
  • Specialties:Oncology, Orthopedic Surgery, Radiation Oncology
  • Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Physician's Office
** Only Enterprise users with EHR integration can access case-specific answers. Click here to request access.