2025 ICD-10-CM code D38.4
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Neoplasms - Neoplasms of uncertain or unknown behaviour of middle ear and respiratory and intrathoracic organs II Neoplasms Feed
Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of the thymus.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of a thymic mass or symptoms suggestive of a thymic neoplasm.Further investigation is medically necessary to determine the nature of the lesion (benign or malignant) and guide appropriate treatment.
Diagnosis involves patient history, physical exam, imaging (chest X-ray, CT, MRI, PET scan), and biopsy.Treatment may include observation, surgery (thymusectomy), radiation therapy, or chemotherapy depending on further classification of the tumor.
In simple words: This code indicates a tumor in the thymus gland (located in the chest) that doctors can't yet confirm as cancerous or non-cancerous based on a tissue sample. More tests are needed to know for sure.
D38.4, Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of the thymus, is an ICD-10-CM code representing a tumor of the thymus gland where histological examination cannot definitively classify it as benign or malignant.The thymus is located in the chest and plays a vital role in the immune system.This diagnosis requires further investigation to determine the nature of the neoplasm.
Example 1: A 45-year-old presents with a mediastinal mass detected on a routine chest X-ray. Biopsy reveals a thymic neoplasm, but the histology is inconclusive regarding its benign or malignant nature.Code D38.4 is assigned pending further investigation., A 60-year-old experiences chest pain and shortness of breath. Imaging shows a thymic mass.A needle biopsy is performed, but the pathology report is unable to determine whether the growth is benign or malignant.D38.4 is used., A 30-year-old patient undergoes a thymectomy for suspected thymoma.Post-operative pathology reveals features suggestive of a neoplasm, but the definitive classification (benign or malignant) remains uncertain.Code D38.4 is applied.
Patient history, physical examination findings, imaging reports (chest X-ray, CT scan, MRI, PET scan), pathology report with histological details, and any further investigations (e.g., immunohistochemistry).
** Close monitoring is crucial for patients with D38.4 until a definitive diagnosis is obtained.Further tests may include immunohistochemical staining and genetic analysis.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Pulmonology, Thoracic Surgery, Oncology, Pathology
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient or Outpatient), Ambulatory Surgical Center