C56.2
BillableMalignant neoplasm of left ovary
HCC Category Mapping
V28HCC 22 — Colorectal, Bladder, and Other Cancers
0.000V24HCC 10 — Lymphoma and Other Cancers
0.675ESRDHCC 10 — Lymphoma and Other Cancers
0.000RxHCCHCC 22 — Cancer, Other Specified Sites
0.000What This Code Means
This code represents cancer that has started in the left ovary, one of the two female reproductive organs that produce eggs. It is used when a malignant (cancerous) tumor is confirmed to be located specifically on the left side.
Coding Tips
- •Ensure laterality is documented in the medical record before assigning this code; if the ovary is not specified as left, right, or bilateral, query the physician for clarification
- •This code should be used in conjunction with histology codes (C80.1 series) to specify the type of ovarian cancer (such as serous, mucinous, or clear cell carcinoma) when available
Clinical Significance
Malignant neoplasm of the left ovary carries the same clinical gravity as right-sided disease. Ovarian cancer treatment typically includes surgical staging with total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy, and peritoneal biopsies, followed by platinum-based chemotherapy. Laterality documentation is essential for surgical planning and cancer registry accuracy.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Laterality confirmed as left ovary
- ✓Histological type and grade
- ✓FIGO staging
- ✓Peritoneal cytology and peritoneal spread assessment
- ✓Lymph node status (pelvic and para-aortic)
- ✓Tumor marker levels (CA-125)
- ✓BRCA/genetic testing results
- ✓Residual disease status after surgery
Commonly Confused Codes
C56.1 — Right ovary; laterality reversal errorC56.3 — Bilateral ovaries; use when both sides are confirmed malignantC56.9 — Unspecified ovary; use only when laterality cannot be determinedC79.62 — Secondary malignant neoplasm of ovary; metastatic disease to the ovary from another primaryD27.1 — Benign neoplasm of left ovary; verify malignancy before assigning cancer code
Code Hierarchy
└C56Malignant neoplasm of ovary└C56.2Malignant neoplasm of left ovary
└C56.2Malignant neoplasm of left ovary