C69.50
BillableMalignant neoplasm of unspecified lacrimal gland and duct
HCC Category Mapping
V28HCC 23 — Melanoma and Other Skin Cancers
0.251V24HCC 12 — Breast, Prostate, and Other Cancers and Tumors
0.150ESRDHCC 12 — Breast, Prostate, and Other Cancers and Tumors
0.000RxHCCHCC 22 — Cancer, Other Specified Sites
0.000What This Code Means
A cancerous tumor of the lacrimal gland or duct (structures that produce and drain tears) when the specific side is not documented.
Coding Tips
Clinical Significance
Lacrimal gland malignancy is uncommon and encompasses several histological types including adenoid cystic carcinoma (most common malignant type), adenocarcinoma, and lymphoma. These tumors present as orbital masses with proptosis and can be aggressive, with adenoid cystic carcinoma known for perineural invasion and late recurrence requiring long-term surveillance.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Pathology confirming malignancy with specific histological type
- ✓Laterality — query required for this unspecified code
- ✓Imaging (CT or MRI orbit) showing lacrimal gland mass with characteristics
- ✓Assessment for orbital invasion, bone involvement, and perineural spread
- ✓Clinical staging and treatment plan
Commonly Confused Codes
C69.51/C69.52 — Right/left lacrimal gland: always use laterality-specific codes when the side is knownC69.60-C69.62 — Orbital malignancy: lacrimal gland is within the orbit but has a specific code; do not use the general orbital codeD31.50-D31.52 — Benign neoplasm of lacrimal gland: distinguish benign pleomorphic adenoma from malignancyC09.0-C09.9 — Tonsil/salivary gland cancers: lacrimal gland tumors share histology with salivary gland tumors but require different codes
Code Hierarchy
└C69Malignant neoplasm of eye and adnexa└C69.5Malignant neoplasm of lacrimal gland and duct└C69.50Malignant neoplasm of unspecified lacrimal gland and duct
└C69.50Malignant neoplasm of unspecified lacrimal gland and duct