Breast Cancer ICD-10-CM Codes

Understand the ICD-10 codes used for Breast Cancer, their billability status, clinical information, synonyms, and common FAQs about these diagnosis codes.

By Telita Montales on Feb 29, 2024.

Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.

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Breast Cancer ICD-10-CM Codes

What ICD-10 Codes are Used for Breast Cancer 

Breast cancer, a significant health concern worldwide, encompasses various subtypes that require different treatment approaches. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and coding are crucial for correctly managing the disease. Here are some commonly used ICD-10 codes:

  1. C50.911: This code applies when the malignant neoplasm is in an unspecified site of the right female breast. It is particularly useful when the specific location within the right breast is not clearly defined in the patient's medical records.
  2. C50.912: Used for malignant neoplasms located at an unspecified site of the left female breast. This code is chosen when the cancer's location within the left breast is not identified.
  3. C50.011: This code denotes a malignant neoplasm of the nipple and areola of the right female breast. It's selected when the cancer is situated explicitly in the nipple and areola of the right breast.
  4. C50.111: This code refers to malignant neoplasms found in the central portion of the right female breast. It's used when the cancer is concentrated in the central part of the right breast.
  5. C50.211: This code represents a malignant neoplasm of the upper-inner quadrant of the right female breast. It's appropriate when the cancer is in the right breast's upper-inner quadrant.
  6. C50.919: This code is for a malignant neoplasm of an unspecified site of an unspecified female breast. It's applied when both the breast (left or right) and the specific location of the cancer are not specified.

These codes are essential for accurate communication among healthcare providers and for billing and insurance purposes. For a more comprehensive understanding, you might find this Breast Cancer ICD Codes resource beneficial.

To further enhance your understanding, please refer to the following explainer video:

Remember, applying the correct ICD-10 codes per the patient's medical record and diagnosis is vital. Always consult a certified medical coder if you're unsure about any aspect of medical coding.

Which Breast Cancer ICD codes are Billable

The following are commonly used ICD-10 codes for breast cancer and their billable status:

  1. C50.911 - Malignant neoplasm of unspecified site of the right female breast: Yes, this is a billable code.
  2. C50.912 - Malignant neoplasm of unspecified site of the left female breast: Yes, this is a billable code.
  3. C50.011 - Malignant neoplasm of nipple and areola of the right female breast: Yes, this is a billable code.
  4. C50.111 - Malignant neoplasm of the central portion of the right female breast: Yes, this is a billable code.
  5. C50.211 - Malignant neoplasm of an upper-inner quadrant of the right female breast: Yes, this is a billable code.
  6. C50.919 - Malignant neoplasm of unspecified site of the unspecified female breast: Yes, this is a billable code.

It's important to note that the term "billable" means that the code can be used in the medical billing process to claim reimbursement for the treatment of this condition. Always use the correct ICD-10 codes per the patient's medical record and diagnosis for accurate billing and coding.

Clinical Information

  • Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast.
  • It can occur in men and women but is far more common in women.
  • Substantial support for breast cancer awareness and research funding has helped improve the screening and diagnosis of breast cancer.
  • Breast cancer survival rates have increased, and the number of deaths associated with this disease is steadily declining, mainly due to earlier detection, a new personalized approach to treatment, and a better understanding of the disease.
  • Symptoms of breast cancer can include a lump in the breast, a change in size or shape of the breast, fluid leaking from the nipple, and changes in the skin over the breast.
  • There are different types of breast cancer, and they are broken into two main categories: "invasive" and "noninvasive," or in situ. While invasive cancer has spread from the breast ducts or glands to other parts of the breast, noninvasive cancer has not spread from the original tissue.
  • These two categories describe the most common types of breast cancer, which include ductal carcinoma in situ, invasive ductal carcinoma, and invasive lobular carcinoma.
  • The type of breast cancer can affect prognosis and determine how the cancer is treated. For example, some types of breast cancer are more aggressive than others and respond better to specific therapies.
  • Treatment options for breast cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, bone-directed therapy, and immunotherapy.
  • Early detection through screening can significantly improve the prognosis and chance of survival since treatment is more effective when breast cancer is diagnosed and treated early.

Synonyms Include

  • Malignant tumor of the breast
  • Cancer of the breast
  • Carcinoma of the breast
  • Breast neoplasm, malignant
  • Malignant breast disease
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Commonly asked questions

When to use a Breast Cancer ICD code?

A breast cancer ICD code represents a breast cancer diagnosis on a patient's medical record. It is used whenever a patient is diagnosed with this condition, whether during an initial consultation, follow-up visits, or when the patient is admitted to a hospital for treatment.

Are Breast Cancer diagnoses billable?

Yes, breast cancer diagnoses are billable. The specific ICD-10 codes for breast cancer are used in medical billing to claim reimbursement from health insurance companies for the healthcare services provided to treat this condition.

What are the common treatments for Breast Cancer Diagnosis Codes?

The treatment for a breast cancer diagnosis depends on the specific type and stage of cancer, but may include surgery (lumpectomy, mastectomy), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy drugs, and immunotherapy. The specific ICD-10 code can help provide more detail about the diagnosis, guiding the treatment plan.

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