C78.7
BillableSecondary malignant neoplasm of liver and intrahepatic bile duct
HCC Category Mapping
V28HCC 17 — Metastatic Cancer and Acute Leukemia
0.368V24HCC 8 — Metastatic Cancer and Acute Leukemia
2.484ESRDHCC 8 — Metastatic Cancer and Acute Leukemia
0.000RxHCCHCC 18 — Metastatic Cancer to Lung and Other Respiratory Sites
0.000What This Code Means
Cancer that has spread to the liver or bile ducts within the liver from a primary cancer located elsewhere in the body.
Coding Tips
- •The liver is a common site for metastatic disease; always code the primary cancer site separately
- •Distinguish from primary liver cancer (C22.x codes) by confirming the cancer originated in another organ
Clinical Significance
Secondary malignant neoplasm of the liver and intrahepatic bile duct is one of the most common metastatic sites across all cancer types. The liver is a frequent site of distant spread for colorectal, breast, lung, and pancreatic cancers due to its dual blood supply. Hepatic metastases significantly affect prognosis, treatment options, and survival, and represent a major driver of resource utilization.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Primary cancer site must be identified and coded separately
- ✓Imaging confirmation — CT, MRI, or PET showing hepatic lesions consistent with metastatic disease
- ✓Number and size of liver metastases — solitary versus multiple, unilobar versus bilobar
- ✓Liver function impact — elevated liver enzymes, bilirubin, synthetic function
- ✓Treatment approach — surgical resection candidacy, ablation, chemoembolization, systemic therapy
Commonly Confused Codes
C22.0 — Hepatocellular carcinoma (primary liver cancer); must distinguish primary from secondary liver malignancyC22.1 — Intrahepatic bile duct carcinoma (cholangiocarcinoma); this is primary, not metastaticC78.89 — Secondary malignant neoplasm of other digestive organs; liver metastases have their own specific codeK76.89 — Other specified diseases of liver; non-malignant liver conditions should not be confused with metastatic disease
Code Hierarchy
└C78Secondary malignant neoplasm of respiratory and digestive organs└C78.7Secondary malignant neoplasm of liver and intrahepatic bile duct
└C78.7Secondary malignant neoplasm of liver and intrahepatic bile duct