ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC32.3

C32.3

Billable

Malignant neoplasm of laryngeal cartilage

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 C32.3 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of malignant neoplasm of laryngeal cartilage.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Malignant neoplasm of laryngeal cartilage refers to cancer that originates in the cartilage of the larynx, which is a critical structure in the respiratory system responsible for voice production. This type of cancer can arise from the chondroid tissue within the larynx and may present with symptoms such as hoarseness, difficulty breathing, and throat pain. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies, laryngoscopy, and biopsy to confirm malignancy. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, with a focus on preserving voice function whenever possible. The staging of laryngeal cancer is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment plan and prognosis, with stages ranging from localized disease to advanced metastatic disease. Voice preservation techniques are often employed, especially in early-stage cancers, to maintain the patient's quality of life. The prognosis for patients with malignant neoplasm of laryngeal cartilage varies based on the stage at diagnosis, the tumor's histological characteristics, and the patient's overall health.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiation between benign and malignant lesions
  • Staging complexity based on tumor size and lymph node involvement
  • Need for precise documentation of treatment modalities
  • Variability in clinical presentation and symptoms

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of tumor staging
  • Failure to specify the site of the neoplasm
  • Misclassification of benign versus malignant lesions
  • Lack of clarity in treatment documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on laryngeal examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with hoarseness, throat pain, or difficulty breathing.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate staging and documentation of voice preservation efforts.

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive treatment plans including chemotherapy and radiation therapy details.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of advanced laryngeal cancer and palliative care considerations.

Billing Considerations

Focus on the patient's overall health and potential for voice preservation.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C32.3 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines for neoplasms, ensuring accurate documentation of the site, histology, and stage of the cancer
  • Include any relevant treatment details and co
  • existing conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C32.3 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

31575CPT Code

Laryngoscopy, flexible, diagnostic

Clinical Scenario

Used for initial evaluation of laryngeal masses.

Documentation Requirements

Document findings from the laryngoscopy and any biopsies performed.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure thorough documentation of the laryngeal examination.

31540CPT Code

Laryngectomy, partial

Clinical Scenario

Performed for resection of malignant laryngeal tumors.

Documentation Requirements

Detail the extent of resection and any voice preservation techniques used.

Specialty Considerations

Oncologists should document the patient's voice function post-surgery.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of laryngeal cancers, including differentiation by site and histology, which enhances data accuracy and improves patient care tracking.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of laryngeal cancers, including differentiation by site and histology, which enhances data accuracy and improves patient care tracking.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of laryngeal cancers, including differentiation by site and histology, which enhances data accuracy and improves patient care tracking.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
  • •
    National Cancer Institute - Laryngeal Cancer

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
  • •
    National Cancer Institute - Laryngeal Cancer

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of malignant neoplasm of laryngeal cartilage?

Common symptoms include hoarseness, throat pain, difficulty swallowing, and respiratory distress. Patients may also experience changes in voice quality.

How is malignant neoplasm of laryngeal cartilage diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of imaging studies, laryngoscopy, and biopsy to confirm the presence of malignant cells.

What treatment options are available for this condition?

Treatment options may include surgical resection, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, with a focus on voice preservation when possible.