2025 ICD-10-CM code C79.52
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Neoplasms - Secondary malignant neoplasm of bone and bone marrow 2 Neoplasms Feed
Secondary malignant neoplasm of bone marrow. This refers to the spread of cancer from a primary site to the bone marrow.
Medical necessity for the diagnostic workup and treatment of secondary malignant neoplasm of bone marrow is established by the presence of signs, symptoms, or laboratory findings suggestive of bone marrow metastasis.The medical record should clearly document the patient's condition and the rationale for the chosen treatment plan.
Providers diagnose the disease based on history, symptoms, and physical examination. Laboratory tests include blood tests to check abnormal levels of calcium and alkaline phosphatase. Imaging tests include bone scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) to both diagnose and stage the malignancy. Treatment depends on the severity of the cancer, patient’s previous treatment, general health, and disease progression. Depending on the severity of the cancer, treatment involves chemotherapy in combination with radiation therapy and surgery if needed. Providers may prescribe pain medicines and bisphosphonates.
- 2 Neoplasms
- Malignant neoplasms (C00-C96)Malignant neoplasms of ill-defined, other secondary and unspecified sites (C76-C80)
In simple words: This code indicates that cancer has spread from its original location to the bone marrow, which is the soft tissue inside bones where blood cells are made.
Secondary malignant neoplasm of the bone marrow refers to metastasis (spread) of cancer cells from a primary cancer site to the bone marrow (the spongy tissue inside large bones where new blood cells are produced).
Example 1: A patient with breast cancer develops fatigue and bone pain. A bone marrow biopsy confirms the presence of cancer cells, indicating metastasis to the bone marrow., A patient with lung cancer undergoes a PET scan which reveals abnormal activity in the bone marrow.A subsequent bone marrow biopsy confirms metastatic lung cancer in the bone marrow., A patient with prostate cancer presents with anemia and low white blood cell counts. After further investigation, including a bone marrow biopsy, the physician diagnoses secondary malignant neoplasm of the bone marrow.
Documentation should include evidence of the primary malignancy, the symptoms and findings leading to the suspicion of bone marrow involvement, and the results of diagnostic tests confirming the metastasis to the bone marrow (e.g., bone marrow biopsy, imaging studies).
- Specialties:Oncology, Hematology, Internal Medicine
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, On Campus-Outpatient Hospital, Office