Find comprehensive information on liver cancer diagnosis including ICD-10 codes C22.0, C22.1, C22.2, C22.3, C22.4, C22.7, C22.8, and C22.9. Learn about clinical documentation requirements, hepatocellular carcinoma HCC coding, liver cancer staging, diagnostic imaging, and pathology reports for accurate medical coding and billing. Explore symptoms, treatment options, and prognosis for liver cancer patients. This resource provides essential guidance for healthcare professionals involved in liver cancer diagnosis, documentation, and coding.
Also known as
Malignant neoplasm of liver
Covers cancers specifically originating in the liver.
Secondary malignant neoplasm of liver
Liver cancer that has spread from a primary site elsewhere.
Malignant neoplasm of skin of abdomen
Includes some rare skin cancers that may involve the liver area.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the liver cancer primary?
Yes
Is it hepatocellular carcinoma?
No
Is the site of origin known?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Liver cancer |
Hepatitis C |
Cirrhosis |
Coding C22.9 Liver cancer, unspecified, without proper documentation specifying the type can lead to claim denials and inaccurate reporting.
Incorrectly coding metastatic liver cancer (C78.7) as primary liver cancer (C22.x) leads to inaccurate data and affects reimbursement.
Lack of clear documentation of liver cancer stage (using TNM or other staging systems) impacts accurate coding, affecting quality reporting and treatment planning.
Patient presents with complaints consistent with potential hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), primary liver cancer. Symptoms include fatigue, abdominal pain localized to the right upper quadrant, unintended weight loss, and decreased appetite. Physical examination reveals hepatomegaly and palpable liver mass. Pertinent laboratory findings demonstrate elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, abnormal liver function tests (LFTs) including increased AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase), and elevated bilirubin. Imaging studies, including abdominal ultrasound, CT scan of the abdomen with contrast, and MRI of the liver, were ordered to assess the extent of the liver lesion and rule out other differential diagnoses such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, and metastatic liver disease. Preliminary imaging findings suggest a solitary liver mass with characteristics suspicious for HCC. Liver biopsy is scheduled to confirm the diagnosis and determine the histologic grade of the tumor. The patient's medical history includes chronic hepatitis B infection, a significant risk factor for liver cancer. Based on the clinical presentation, laboratory results, and imaging findings, the preliminary diagnosis is liver cancer (HCC). Further evaluation, including biopsy results, will guide treatment planning, which may involve surgical resection, liver transplantation, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or palliative care depending on the stage and extent of the disease. Patient education regarding liver cancer prognosis, treatment options, and potential complications was provided. Follow-up appointments were scheduled to discuss biopsy results and finalize the treatment plan. ICD-10 code C22.0 (malignant neoplasm of liver, unspecified) is provisionally assigned, pending histopathological confirmation. CPT codes for the diagnostic procedures performed will be documented accordingly for medical billing and coding purposes.