C74.01
BillableMalignant neoplasm of cortex of right 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 the right adrenal gland, which is a small hormone-producing gland located above the right kidney. This is a malignant tumor that requires treatment and monitoring.
Coding Tips
- •Ensure documentation specifies the right adrenal gland (not left or bilateral) and confirms the tumor originates in the cortex rather than the medulla, as these distinctions affect code selection
- •This code is used for primary malignant neoplasms only; if the cancer has metastasized from another site, use a secondary neoplasm code instead
Clinical Significance
Malignant neoplasm of the cortex of the right adrenal gland specifies adrenocortical carcinoma on the right side. Right-sided adrenal tumors may present unique surgical challenges due to proximity to the inferior vena cava. This lateralized code provides maximum specificity and is preferred over the unspecified version.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Pathology confirming adrenocortical carcinoma of the right adrenal gland
- ✓Documentation confirming right-sided involvement
- ✓Hormonal evaluation and functional status of the tumor
- ✓Staging information and extent of disease
- ✓Documentation confirming cortex as tissue of origin, not medulla
Commonly Confused Codes
C74.02 — Left adrenal cortex: Laterality error; verify right sideC74.11 — Right adrenal medulla: Different compartment — cortex vs. medullaC74.91 — Right adrenal, unspecified part: Use C74.01 when cortex is specifically documentedD35.01 — Benign neoplasm of right adrenal gland: Confirm malignancy; many adrenal tumors are benignC79.71 — Secondary malignant neoplasm of right adrenal gland: Metastatic disease, not primary
Code Hierarchy
└C74Malignant neoplasm of adrenal gland└C74.0Malignant neoplasm of cortex of adrenal gland└C74.01Malignant neoplasm of cortex of right adrenal gland
└C74.01Malignant neoplasm of cortex of right adrenal gland