Cancer-related Pain ICD-10-CM Codes

What ICD-10 codes are used for cancer-related pain? 

There are no specific cancer-related pain ICD codes that can be used for coding and billing. However, you can use G89.3 - Neoplasm-related pain (acute) (chronic). 

This code is meant to be used on patients confirmed to be dealing with pain tied to cancer/cancerous tumors. This is the only one that can be used in such cases.

However, note whether the neoplasm is malignant or benign. This ICD-10 code can be used. G89.3 accommodates pain from both primary and secondary neoplasms, which may help clarify scenarios involving metastasis.

Is this cancer-related pain ICD code billable?

Yes. This lone cancer-related pain ICD-10 code is valid and billable.

Clinical information

Cancer generates a spectrum of neoplasm-related pain presentations that extend far beyond a single site. A growing or metastatic tumor can compress bones, nerves, or organs, producing highly localized pain—for example, lumbar region pain, chest pain, abdomen pain, or broader abdominal pain, spine pain, or limb pain radiating down an extremity. It may also trigger less obvious focal complaints such as shoulder pain, breast pain, ear pain, throat pain, tooth pain, tongue pain, or pelvic and perineal pain (including isolated perineal pain). When the pain originates solely from malignancy, clinicians classify it under pain disorders exclusively related (i.e., “pain disorders” attributable to cancer).

Neoplasm-driven pain may be acute pain after surgery or the onset of metastasis, or it may be acute and persist, evolving into acute and chronic pain (often noted in documentation as “related pain acute chronic”). Occasionally, tumoral cytokine release or widespread metastatic disease results in generalized pain NOS (not otherwise specified).

Management combines pharmacologic and non‑pharmacologic strategies. Opioids, non‑opioid analgesics, and adjuvant agents target the biologic drivers, while physical therapy, acupuncture, and psychotherapy address musculoskeletal or psychological factors that amplify suffering. Continuous assessment—using tools that capture intensity, character, and interference—allows timely adjustments, ensuring effective control of cancer pain across all body regions and enhancing the patient’s quality of life.

Synonyms include:

• Breakthrough cancer pain
• Breakthrough pain
• Chronic pain due to malignant neoplastic disease
• Neck pain due to malignant neoplastic disease
• Pain due to neoplastic disease