C74.00
BillableMalignant neoplasm of cortex of unspecified adrenal gland
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 describes cancer that has started in the outer layer (cortex) of an adrenal gland, but the specific side (left or right) has not been identified. The adrenal glands are small hormone-producing organs that sit on top of the kidneys.
Coding Tips
- •If the documentation specifies which adrenal gland is affected (left or right), use the more specific codes C74.01 or C74.02 instead of the unspecified code C74.00
- •This code is typically used only when the laterality cannot be determined from the medical record; always attempt to clarify with the provider if the affected side is documented elsewhere in the chart
Clinical Significance
Malignant neoplasm of the cortex of an unspecified adrenal gland represents adrenocortical carcinoma without laterality documentation. Adrenocortical carcinoma is an aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis that often presents with hormonal excess (Cushing syndrome, virilization). The unspecified laterality should trigger a provider query as imaging and surgical reports will specify the affected side.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Pathology confirming adrenocortical carcinoma
- ✓Laterality — query provider to assign C74.01 (right) or C74.02 (left)
- ✓Hormonal evaluation (cortisol, androgens, aldosterone, estrogens)
- ✓Staging information (ENSAT or AJCC staging)
- ✓Documentation confirming cortex (not medulla) as tissue of origin
Commonly Confused Codes
C74.01/C74.02 — Right/left adrenal cortex: Use lateralized codes when side is documentedC74.10-C74.12 — Adrenal medulla malignancy: Different anatomical compartment; medulla produces catecholamines, cortex produces steroidsD35.00 — Benign neoplasm of adrenal cortex: Many adrenal cortical tumors are benign adenomas; verify malignancyE27.0 — Other adrenocortical overactivity: Hormonal excess from functional adenoma, not malignancyC79.70 — Secondary malignant neoplasm of unspecified adrenal gland: Metastatic disease to adrenal, not primary
Code Hierarchy
└C74Malignant neoplasm of adrenal gland└C74.0Malignant neoplasm of cortex of adrenal gland└C74.00Malignant neoplasm of cortex of unspecified adrenal gland
└C74.00Malignant neoplasm of cortex of unspecified adrenal gland