Secondary malignant neoplasm of liver and intrahepatic bile duct
ICD-10 C78.7 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of secondary malignant neoplasm of liver and intrahepatic bile duct.
C78.7 refers to secondary malignant neoplasms that have metastasized to the liver and intrahepatic bile ducts from a primary cancer located elsewhere in the body. This condition is characterized by the presence of malignant cells in the liver or bile ducts that originated from a primary tumor, which may be unknown at the time of diagnosis. Common primary sites include the breast, lung, colon, and pancreas. The liver is a frequent site for metastasis due to its rich blood supply and the role it plays in filtering blood from the gastrointestinal tract. Patients may present with symptoms such as jaundice, abdominal pain, weight loss, and ascites. Staging of metastatic liver cancer is crucial for determining prognosis and treatment options, which may include palliative care aimed at symptom management rather than curative intent. Accurate coding requires thorough documentation of the primary cancer site, if known, and the extent of liver involvement, as this can influence treatment decisions and outcomes.
Detailed history of the primary cancer, staging information, and treatment plans.
Patients with known primary cancers presenting with liver metastases.
Accurate documentation of the primary site and staging is critical for treatment planning.
Focus on symptom management, patient goals, and quality of life considerations.
Patients with advanced metastatic disease requiring symptom relief.
Documentation should reflect the intent of care and any discussions about end-of-life preferences.
Used when a biopsy is needed to confirm metastatic disease.
Indication for biopsy and results of imaging studies.
Oncology specialists should ensure that the biopsy results are clearly linked to the diagnosis.
Knowing the primary cancer site is crucial for accurate coding, as it influences treatment decisions, prognosis, and the overall management of the patient's care. It also helps in understanding the patient's cancer history and potential outcomes.
