Small Cell Lung Cancer ICD 10 Code (SCLC ICD 10 Code ) Introduction
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive form of lung cancer that accounts for about 10-15% of all lung cancer cases. Proper diagnosis and coding are essential for treatment, insurance claims, and medical research. In this blog post, we’ll explore the ICD-10 code for small cell lung cancer, its subtypes, and related coding guidelines.
What is the ICD-10 Code for Small Cell Lung Cancer?
The primary ICD-10 code for small cell lung cancer is:
C34.90 – Malignant neoplasm of unspecified part of unspecified bronchus or lung
However, SCLC has more specific codes depending on the location and laterality (left or right lung). Below is a detailed breakdown:
Small Cell Lung Cancer ICD-10 Codes
| Description | ICD-10 Code |
|---|---|
| Small cell carcinoma of right bronchus or lung, unspecified | C34.91 |
| Small cell carcinoma of left bronchus or lung, unspecified | C34.92 |
| Small cell carcinoma of trachea | C33 |
| Small cell carcinoma of overlapping sites of lung | C34.80 |
| Small cell carcinoma of lung, unspecified | C34.90 |
For histological confirmation, the following codes may be used in conjunction with the primary code:
- 8041/3 – Small cell carcinoma, NOS (Not Otherwise Specified)
- 8042/3 – Small cell carcinoma, fusiform cell
- 8043/3 – Small cell carcinoma, intermediate cell
- 8044/3 – Combined small cell carcinoma
What is the ICD-10 Code for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer?
The primary ICD-10 code for non-small cell lung cancer is:
C34.90 – Malignant neoplasm of unspecified part of unspecified bronchus or lung
However, NSCLC has more specific codes depending on the location, laterality (left or right lung), and histological subtype. Below is a detailed breakdown:
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer ICD-10 Codes
| Description | ICD-10 Code |
|---|---|
| NSCLC of right bronchus or lung, unspecified | C34.91 |
| NSCLC of left bronchus or lung, unspecified | C34.92 |
| NSCLC of upper lobe, right lung | C34.11 |
| NSCLC of upper lobe, left lung | C34.12 |
| NSCLC of middle lobe, right lung | C34.21 |
| NSCLC of lower lobe, right lung | C34.31 |
| NSCLC of lower lobe, left lung | C34.32 |
| NSCLC of trachea | C33 |
| NSCLC of overlapping sites of lung | C34.80 |
| NSCLC of lung, unspecified | C34.90 |
Histological Subtype Codes (Morphology Codes)
For more precise documentation, NSCLC can be further classified by subtype:
- 8140/3 – Adenocarcinoma
- 8070/3 – Squamous cell carcinoma
- 8012/3 – Large cell carcinoma
- 8560/3 – Adenosquamous carcinoma
- 8020/3 – Undifferentiated carcinoma
These codes are used in addition to the primary ICD-10 code for better specificity.
Why is the Correct ICD-10 Code Important?
Using the right ICD-10 code for SCLC is crucial for:
✅ Accurate diagnosis and treatment planning
✅ Insurance reimbursement and claims processing
✅ Cancer registry and epidemiological research
✅ Clinical trials and patient eligibility
Incorrect coding can lead to claim denials, delayed treatments, and inaccurate health data.
Staging and Additional Codes for SCLC
Small cell lung cancer is typically staged as limited stage (LS-SCLC) or extensive stage (ES-SCLC). While ICD-10 does not directly code for staging, additional codes may be used to specify:
- Z85.118 – Personal history of other malignant neoplasm of bronchus and lung (for follow-up cases)
- Z79.899 – Other long-term drug therapy (if the patient is on chemotherapy)
- C78.00 – Secondary malignant neoplasm of unspecified lung (for metastatic cases)
FAQs About Small Cell Lung Cancer ICD 10 Codes
1. What is the difference between C34.90 and C34.91?
- C34.90 is used when the exact location (left/right) is unspecified.
- C34.91 specifies cancer in the right lung or bronchus, while C34.92 is for the left lung or bronchus.
2. Can I use multiple ICD-10 codes for SCLC?
Yes, if the patient has metastasis, you may use additional codes like:
- C79.9 – Secondary malignant neoplasm of unspecified site
- C78.2 – Secondary malignant neoplasm of pleura
3. What if the cancer is recurrent or in remission?
- Z85.118 – Personal history of lung cancer
- Z08 – Follow-up examination after cancer treatment
Conclusion
Proper ICD-10 coding for small cell lung cancer (C34.90, C34.91, C34.92, etc.) ensures accurate medical records, smooth insurance processing, and better patient care. Always verify the location, laterality, and histology for precise coding.
For healthcare providers, staying updated with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines is essential to avoid claim rejections and improve patient outcomes.
📌 Need help with medical coding? Consult the latest ICD-10-CM manual or a certified medical coder for accuracy.
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