Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer ICD-10-CM Codes
Read this short guide to learn about Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer ICD codes you can use!
Fact Checked by RJ Gumban.
What Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer ICD codes can I use?
If you’re looking for Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer ICD codes, there is one that you can use, but before we get to that, the main ICD-10 code you should use needs to be one for Pancreatic Cancer or Malignant Neoplasm of Pancreas.
The most basic one is C25.9 - Malignant neoplasm of pancreas, unspecified. This is meant to be used if it’s confirmed that a patient has pancreatic cancer, but it’s not specified or known now as to what part of the pancreas has it. Once the cancer’s specific area has been identified, you can pick from any of these ICD codes:
- C25.0 - Malignant neoplasm of the head of the pancreas
- C25.1 - Malignant neoplasm of the body of the pancreas
- C25.2 - Malignant neoplasm of the tail of the pancreas
- C25.3 - Malignant neoplasm of pancreatic duct
- C25.4 - Malignant neoplasm of the endocrine pancreas
- C25.7 - Malignant neoplasm of other parts of the pancreas
- C25.8 - Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of the pancreas
Make sure you pick the one specific to the confirmed area(s) of the pancreas.
If the pancreatic cancer has metastasized, meaning it has spread to other parts of the body, you can use this ICD-10 code: C78.89 - Secondary malignant neoplasm of other digestive organs.
Given that no specific ICD-10 code mentions Secondary malignant neoplasm of the pancreas, this is the best choice since the pancreas is part of the digestive and endocrine systems.
Is this lone Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer ICD code billable?
Yes. This Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer-related ICD-10 code is valid and billable, and so are the ones for the Malignant Neoplasm of the Pancreas that we listed above.
Clinical information about Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer:
Pancreatic Cancer is considered one of the most notorious types of cancer because it can’t be detected early and is almost always detected when it has already spread to other body parts (this is what is meant when a cancer has metastasized).
Not only that, but this type of cancer is also one of the most difficult to treat because of its resistance to most cancer drugs.
Even with the current research, it isn’t clear what causes Pancreatic Cancer to emerge, but several possible factors have been identified. There’s a chance that the cancer might appear as a result of having diabetes or pancreatitis. Tobacco use is also considered a factor, and something as simple as being obese can put someone at risk, too. It might even be hereditary for some people.
Here are some complications that this type of cancer can cause:
- It can cause abdominal pain because tumors can press on nerves
- It can sap energy from the body, which can cause weight loss
- It can make people feel nauseated and vomit
- It can cause bowel blockages, making it challenging to process digested food
- It can block the bile ducts, which results in jaundice, dark-colored urine, and light-colored poop
- Death
Synonyms include:
- Metastasis from malignant tumor of the pancreas
- Metastatic pancreatic endocrine carcinoma
- Tumor invades beyond the pancreatic capsule to adjacent structures and organs
- Malignant melanoma metastatic to the pancreas
- Secondary malignant neoplasm of the body of the pancreas
- Tumor invades beyond pancreatic capsule to bile duct
- Tumor invades beyond pancreatic capsule to spleen
- Tumor invades beyond pancreatic capsule to stomach
Commonly asked questions
Since it’s unclear what causes it, healthcare professionals handling patients at risk of developing pancreatic cancer will suggest that they maintain a healthy weight and avoid smoking altogether.
Yes. Even if there’s a high chance that pancreatic cancer will kill a patient, it’s possible to cure it. If healthcare professionals detect it early, they can perform surgery to remove it altogether.
As we mentioned earlier, Pancreatic Cancer can press on nerves, which can cause pain. Healthcare professionals will administer/provide pain management medication to lessen or temporarily wipe out the pain. They may also offer chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy to destroy cancer cells.
