C75.3
BillableMalignant neoplasm of pineal gland
HCC Category Mapping
V28HCC 20 — Lung and Other Severe 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
A malignant (cancerous) tumor of the pineal gland, a small endocrine gland located deep in the brain that produces melatonin.
Coding Tips
- •Pineal gland tumors are rare; ensure documentation specifies malignancy rather than benign pineal cysts
- •Coordinate with neurology/oncology documentation for tumor histology and staging
Clinical Significance
Malignant neoplasm of the pineal gland encompasses malignant tumors arising from the pineal gland, including pineoblastoma (the most common malignant type) and pineal parenchymal tumors of intermediate differentiation. Pineal tumors can cause obstructive hydrocephalus and Parinaud syndrome (upward gaze palsy). Pineoblastoma is a WHO Grade IV tumor with aggressive behavior, particularly in children.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Pathology confirming malignancy with specific histological type (pineoblastoma, malignant pineal parenchymal tumor)
- ✓Imaging (MRI) documenting tumor size, extent, and any hydrocephalus
- ✓Cerebrospinal fluid cytology for tumor markers (alpha-fetoprotein, beta-hCG) to exclude germ cell tumors
- ✓Documentation of any mass effect symptoms (hydrocephalus, Parinaud syndrome)
- ✓Staging including evaluation for craniospinal dissemination
Commonly Confused Codes
D35.4 — Benign neoplasm of pineal gland: Pineocytomas are benign WHO Grade I tumorsD44.5 — Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of pineal gland: Use when malignancy grade is uncertainC71.0-C71.9 — Malignant neoplasm of brain: Pineal tumors arise from the pineal gland, not brain parenchymaC62.90 — Malignant neoplasm of testis: Pineal germ cell tumors may mimic gonadal tumors but are coded to brain/CNS
Code Hierarchy
└C75Malignant neoplasm of other endocrine glands and related structures└C75.3Malignant neoplasm of pineal gland
└C75.3Malignant neoplasm of pineal gland