C76.2
BillableMalignant neoplasm of abdomen
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 malignant (cancerous) tumor located in the abdominal area, but the specific organ or tissue of origin is not further specified.
Coding Tips
- •This code applies when abdominal malignancy is documented but the specific organ (liver, pancreas, stomach, etc.) is unidentified
- •Query the provider and review imaging/pathology to determine the primary organ site for more specific coding
Clinical Significance
Malignant neoplasm of the abdomen (ill-defined site) is used for abdominal malignancies where the specific organ of origin cannot be determined. Abdominal carcinomatosis of unknown primary is a common clinical scenario requiring this code. Extensive workup including imaging, tumor markers, and immunohistochemistry should be documented before using this nonspecific code.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Documentation confirming abdominal malignancy without identifiable organ of origin
- ✓Cross-sectional imaging (CT abdomen/pelvis, PET scan) documenting tumor extent
- ✓Pathology with immunohistochemistry attempting to identify tissue of origin
- ✓Tumor marker results (CEA, CA-125, CA 19-9, AFP)
- ✓Documentation of workup performed to identify the primary site
Commonly Confused Codes
C48.1-C48.2 — Malignant neoplasm of peritoneum: Use when peritoneal origin is confirmedC78.6 — Secondary malignant neoplasm of retroperitoneum and peritoneum: Metastatic abdominal diseaseC26.9 — Malignant neoplasm of gastrointestinal tract, unspecified: GI origin suspected but site unknownC80.0 — Disseminated malignant neoplasm: Use for widely disseminated diseaseC56.9 — Malignant neoplasm of ovary: Ovarian cancer often presents as abdominal carcinomatosis
Code Hierarchy
└C76Malignant neoplasm of other and ill-defined sites└C76.2Malignant neoplasm of abdomen
└C76.2Malignant neoplasm of abdomen