Rectal Cancer ICD-10-CM Codes

What ICD-10 Codes are Used for Rectal Cancer  

Rectal cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the tissues of the rectum, the last portion of the large intestine. It is a significant health concern globally, with various factors contributing to its occurrence. Proper coding of rectal cancer is essential for accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and research purposes. Here are the commonly used rectal cancer ICD Codes, along with their clinical descriptions:

C19 - Malignant neoplasm of rectosigmoid junction

This code represents cancerous growth at the rectum and sigmoid colon junction.

C20 - Malignant neoplasm of rectum

It signifies the presence of malignant tumor cells, specifically in the rectum.

C20.0 - Malignant neoplasm of the rectum, unspecified

This code is used when the site of the rectal tumor is not further specified.

C20.1 - Malignant neoplasm of the rectosigmoid junction

It refers to a malignant tumor located precisely at the rectum and sigmoid colon junction.

C20.9 - Malignant neoplasm of the rectum, unspecified

This code is utilized when the diagnosis indicates rectal cancer, but the specific location or details are not provided.

C19.9 - Malignant neoplasm of the rectosigmoid junction, unspecified

It is used when cancerous growth is detected in the rectosigmoid junction without further specification.

C78.5 - Secondary malignant neoplasm of large intestine and rectum

This code represents metastatic cancer that has spread from another site to the large intestine, including the rectum.

Z85.048 - Personal history of malignant neoplasm of rectum

It indicates a personal history of previously treated rectal cancer, which is significant for follow-up and surveillance.

Z85.038 - Personal history of malignant neoplasm of rectosigmoid junction

This code represents a personal history of rectosigmoid junction cancer, necessitating ongoing monitoring and management.

Z85.098 - Personal history of other malignant neoplasms of the large intestine

It indicates a personal history of malignant tumors affecting other parts of the large intestine, excluding the rectum.

Which Rectal Cancer  ICD codes are Billable: 

C19 - Malignant neoplasm of rectosigmoid junction

Yes. This code represents a billable diagnosis as it identifies a specific location within the rectum where the cancer is situated, allowing for accurate billing and reimbursement.

C20 - Malignant neoplasm of rectum

Yes. This code indicates the presence of rectal cancer, making it a billable diagnosis for proper billing and reimbursement purposes.

C20.0 - Malignant neoplasm of the rectum, unspecified

Yes. Although it is not specific about the location within the rectum, this code still represents a billable diagnosis as it signifies the presence of malignant tumor cells in the rectum.

C20.1 - Malignant neoplasm of the rectosigmoid junction

Yes. This code identifies a specific location where the cancer is located, allowing for accurate billing and reimbursement.

C20.9 - Malignant neoplasm of the rectum, unspecified

Yes. Despite lacking specific details about the location within the rectum, this code still represents a billable diagnosis as it indicates the presence of rectal cancer.

C19.9 - Malignant neoplasm of the rectosigmoid junction, unspecified

Yes. Although not specifying the exact location within the rectosigmoid junction, this code still represents a billable diagnosis as it identifies malignant tumor cells in this area.

C78.5 - Secondary malignant neoplasm of large intestine and rectum

Yes. This code represents metastatic cancer that has spread to the large intestine and rectum, making it a billable diagnosis for appropriate billing and reimbursement.

Z85.048 - Personal history of malignant neoplasm of rectum

No. This code represents a personal history of previously treated rectal cancer and is not considered billable as it does not indicate active disease or require immediate treatment.

Z85.038 - Personal history of malignant neoplasm of rectosigmoid junction

No. Similar to the previous code, this represents a personal history of rectosigmoid junction cancer and is not billable as it pertains to past medical history rather than active disease.

Z85.098 - Personal history of other malignant neoplasms of the large intestine

No. This code represents a personal history of malignant tumors in other parts of the large intestine, excluding the rectum. It is not billable as it denotes past medical history rather than active disease.

Clinical Information

• Rectal cancer is a malignant tumor that originates in the tissues of the rectum, the last part of the large intestine.
• It is commonly diagnosed in individuals over 50, although it can also occur in younger individuals.
• Risk factors for rectal cancer include a family history of colorectal cancer, personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, certain genetic conditions, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and a diet high in red and processed meats.
• Symptoms of rectal cancer may include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain or discomfort, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue.
• Diagnosis often involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, blood tests, imaging studies (such as colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or CT scan), and biopsy of suspicious tissues.
• The treatment of rectal cancer typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies.
• Surgical options may include local excision, transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM), or more extensive procedures such as low anterior resection or abdominoperineal resection.
• Adjuvant therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be recommended to target any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
• The prognosis for rectal cancer depends on various factors, including the cancer stage at diagnosis, metastasis, and the individual's overall health.
• Regular screening and early detection are crucial in improving outcomes and reducing mortality rates associated with rectal cancer.

Synonyms Include:

• Colorectal cancer
• Rectal carcinoma
• Cancer of the rectum
• Rectal malignancy
• Adenocarcinoma of the rectum