2025 ICD-10-CM code C77
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Neoplasms - Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of lymph nodes Chapter 2: Neoplasms Feed
Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of lymph nodes. This code indicates that cancer has spread to the lymph nodes from a primary site, but the specific type of cancer is not documented.
Medical necessity is established by the confirmation of malignancy in the lymph nodes. The diagnostic workup to determine the primary site is also medically necessary for staging and treatment planning.
The physician is responsible for diagnosing the condition based on history, physical examination, and diagnostic procedures including biopsy and imaging tests (X-ray, CT, MRI, PET). Treatment may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery, possibly including lymph node removal.
- Chapter 2: Neoplasms
- C76-C80: Malignant neoplasms of ill-defined, other secondary and unspecified sites
In simple words: This code means that cancer has spread to your lymph nodes, but the doctor hasn't identified the original type of cancer yet.
Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of lymph nodes refers to cancer that has metastasized to the lymph nodes from a primary location through the lymphatic system.The provider has not documented the specific type of cancer present in the lymph nodes.
Example 1: A patient with a history of breast cancer presents with enlarged lymph nodes in the axilla. Biopsy confirms metastatic carcinoma, but further testing is needed to determine if the cancer originated from the breast or another primary site. C77 is used until the primary site is confirmed., A patient presents with enlarged cervical lymph nodes.Biopsy reveals metastatic squamous cell carcinoma.The physician performs a panendoscopy and finds no primary tumor in the head and neck region.C77 is used until a primary tumor can be identified., A patient presents with widespread lymphadenopathy.Biopsy of an inguinal lymph node confirms metastatic adenocarcinoma.Imaging and other diagnostic tests fail to locate a primary tumor. C77 is used as the diagnosis.
Documentation should include evidence of metastatic malignancy in the lymph nodes, as well as details of the diagnostic workup performed to identify the primary site.If the primary site remains unknown, this should be clearly documented.
- Specialties:Oncology, Hematology, Surgery, Pathology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Physician's Office, Independent Clinic, and other places where diagnostic and treatment services are provided.