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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesChapter 2: NeoplasmsC38

C38

Billable

Malignant neoplasm of heart, mediastinum and pleura

Chapter 2:Neoplasms

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

Code Description

ICD-10 C38 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of malignant neoplasm of heart, mediastinum and pleura.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Malignant neoplasms of the heart, mediastinum, and pleura represent a rare but significant category of thoracic malignancies. These tumors can originate from various tissues, including the heart muscle (primary cardiac tumors), the mediastinum (the area between the lungs), and the pleura (the membrane surrounding the lungs). Common types of malignant neoplasms in this category include sarcomas, lymphomas, and mesotheliomas. Symptoms may vary widely, including chest pain, dyspnea, and systemic signs such as weight loss or fever. Diagnosis often involves imaging studies such as CT scans or MRIs, and may require biopsy for definitive histological diagnosis. Treatment options depend on the tumor type and stage, and may include surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Surgical considerations are critical, as the proximity of these tumors to vital structures in the thorax can complicate resection and increase the risk of complications. Multidisciplinary management is essential for optimal outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of tumor types and origins
  • Need for precise staging and grading
  • Complex surgical interventions
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other thoracic conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of tumor type and location
  • Failure to document staging and grading
  • Lack of clarity in surgical notes
  • Misclassification of primary vs. secondary tumors

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed pathology reports, imaging studies, and treatment plans must be documented.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and management of primary cardiac tumors or mediastinal lymphomas.

Billing Considerations

Accurate staging and grading are crucial for treatment planning and coding.

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports must detail the extent of resection and any complications.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical resection of mediastinal tumors or cardiac masses.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should clearly indicate the surgical approach and any adjunctive therapies.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C38 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the tumor's location, type, and any relevant staging information
  • Include any associated conditions that may impact treatment

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C38 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

32666CPT Code

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for tumor resection

Clinical Scenario

Used for minimally invasive resection of mediastinal tumors.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the surgical approach is clearly documented.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of thoracic malignancies, improving the granularity of data collection and enhancing the ability to track treatment outcomes and resource utilization.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of thoracic malignancies, improving the granularity of data collection and enhancing the ability to track treatment outcomes and resource utilization.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of thoracic malignancies, improving the granularity of data collection and enhancing the ability to track treatment outcomes and resource utilization.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of malignant neoplasms in the thoracic cavity?

Common symptoms include chest pain, dyspnea, cough, and systemic symptoms like weight loss and fever. The presentation can vary significantly based on the tumor's location and type.