C34.11
BillableMalignant neoplasm of upper lobe, right bronchus or lung
HCC Category Mapping
V28HCC 20 — Lung and Other Severe Cancers
0.000V24HCC 9 — Lung and Other Severe Cancers
0.973ESRDHCC 9 — Lung and Other Severe Cancers
0.000RxHCCHCC 20 — Cancer, Liver and Intrahepatic Bile Duct
0.000What This Code Means
This code represents cancer that has started in the upper portion of the right lung or the bronchus (airway) leading to it. It is a malignant tumor, meaning it is cancerous and can spread to other parts of the body.
Coding Tips
- •Verify the laterality (right side) and specific lobe (upper) are documented in the medical record before assigning this code
- •This code does not include histology type or stage; additional codes may be needed to specify the type of lung cancer (e.g., adenocarcinoma, squamous cell) and TNM staging when available
Clinical Significance
Right upper lobe lung cancer is the most common presentation of lung cancer overall. The right upper lobe is the most frequent site, particularly for adenocarcinoma. Superior sulcus (Pancoast) tumors at the apex carry unique clinical features including Horner syndrome and brachial plexus involvement. Accurate coding supports treatment planning and risk adjustment.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Pathology with histological type (adenocarcinoma, squamous cell, large cell, small cell)
- ✓Molecular markers (EGFR, ALK, ROS1, PD-L1, KRAS) for non-small cell lung cancer
- ✓Imaging confirming right upper lobe location with laterality
- ✓TNM staging with nodal and metastatic assessment
- ✓Assessment for Pancoast features if apical location
Commonly Confused Codes
C34.12 — Left upper lobe: Verify laterality matches documentationC34.10 — Upper lobe, unspecified side: Use C34.11 when right side is confirmedC34.2 — Middle lobe: Right-sided tumors near the minor fissure may involve both; code primary locationC78.01 — Secondary malignant neoplasm of right lung: Ensure this is primary lung cancer, not metastatic
Code Hierarchy
└C34Malignant neoplasm of bronchus and lung└C34.1Malignant neoplasm of upper lobe, bronchus or lung└C34.11Malignant neoplasm of upper lobe, right bronchus or lung
└C34.11Malignant neoplasm of upper lobe, right bronchus or lung