Malignant neoplasm of endocrine pancreas
ICD-10 C25.4 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of malignant neoplasm of endocrine pancreas.
Malignant neoplasm of the endocrine pancreas primarily refers to pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs), which arise from the hormone-producing cells of the pancreas. These tumors can be functional, producing hormones such as insulin or glucagon, or non-functional, not producing any hormones. The clinical presentation can vary widely, with functional tumors often causing specific symptoms related to hormone overproduction, while non-functional tumors may remain asymptomatic until they reach an advanced stage. Staging of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors can be challenging due to their heterogeneous nature and the lack of standardized staging systems. The prognosis for patients with malignant neoplasms of the endocrine pancreas is generally poor, with a five-year survival rate significantly lower than that of exocrine pancreatic cancers. The tumor marker CA 19-9 is often used in the management of pancreatic cancer, although its role in neuroendocrine tumors is less clear, as these tumors may not always elevate this marker. Early detection and accurate staging are crucial for improving outcomes, but many patients present with advanced disease, complicating treatment options.
Detailed pathology reports, imaging studies, and treatment plans must be documented to support the diagnosis and staging.
Patients presenting with symptoms of hormone overproduction or incidental findings on imaging.
Ensure accurate differentiation between functional and non-functional tumors for proper coding.
Documentation of hormonal assays and clinical symptoms related to hormone secretion.
Patients with insulinomas or glucagonomas presenting with hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
Documenting the functional status of the tumor is critical for accurate coding.
Used when a patient with a suspected pancreatic tumor undergoes laparoscopic evaluation.
Document indications for the procedure and findings during exploration.
Ensure that the surgical specialty is clearly documented.
Ordered for staging and evaluation of pancreatic tumors.
Document the reason for the imaging and findings.
Radiology reports must be included in the patient's medical record.
Functional neuroendocrine tumors produce hormones that can lead to specific clinical symptoms, while non-functional tumors do not produce hormones and may remain asymptomatic until they grow large enough to cause issues.
Staging for neuroendocrine tumors can be complex and may not follow the standard TNM classification. It often involves imaging studies, surgical findings, and pathology reports.
