2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C15

by

Malignant neoplasm of esophagus

  • C15 should not be used for reimbursement purposes as there are multiple codes below it that contain a greater level of detail.
  • The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM C15 became effective on October 1, 2023.
  • This is the American ICD-10-CM version of C15 – other international versions of ICD-10 C15 may differ.

Use Additional

  • code to identify:
  • alcohol abuse and dependence (F10.-)

The following code(s) above C15 contain annotation back-references

 that may be applicable to C15:

  • C00-D49  Neoplasms
  • C15-C26  Malignant neoplasms of digestive organs

Clinical Information

  • A primary or metastatic malignant neoplasm involving the esophagus
  • The esophagus is a hollow tube that carries food and liquids from your throat to your stomach. Early esophageal cancer usually does not cause symptoms. However, as the cancer grows, symptoms may include painful or difficult swallowing, weight loss and coughing up blood. Risk factors for developing esophageal cancer include
    • smoking
    • heavy drinking
    • damage from acid reflux
    treatments include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and laser therapy. You might also need nutritional support, since the cancer or treatment may make it hard to swallow. nih: national cancer institute

Code History

  • 2016 (effective 10/1/2015): New code (first year of non-draft ICD-10-CM)
  • 2017 (effective 10/1/2016): No change
  • 2018 (effective 10/1/2017): No change
  • 2019 (effective 10/1/2018): No change
  • 2020 (effective 10/1/2019): No change
  • 2021 (effective 10/1/2020): No change
  • 2022 (effective 10/1/2021): No change
  • 2023 (effective 10/1/2022): No change
  • 2024 (effective 10/1/2023): No change

Code annotations containing back-references to C15: