Find comprehensive information on metastatic pancreatic cancer, including clinical documentation requirements, ICD-10 codes (C25.9), staging (TNM), treatment options, and palliative care. This resource offers guidance for healthcare professionals on diagnosis, coding, and managing patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Learn about symptoms, prognosis, and best practices for accurate medical recordkeeping related to secondary pancreatic cancer. Explore resources for both physicians and coding specialists.
Also known as
Malignant neoplasm of pancreas
Covers cancers specifically originating in the pancreas.
Secondary malignant neoplasm of other specified sites
Use with additional codes to specify primary cancer site (pancreas).
Secondary malignant neoplasm of unspecified site
Used when the primary site of the metastatic cancer is unknown.
Personal history of malignant neoplasm of pancreas
Documents a past diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, now in remission or cured.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the primary site pancreas?
Yes
Is it metastatic?
No
Do NOT code as metastatic pancreatic cancer. Review documentation for primary site.
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer |
| Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer |
| Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Mets |
Using C25.9 (pancreatic cancer, unspecified) instead of C25.x for specific metastatic sites like liver (C78.7) leads to underreporting severity and inaccurate reimbursement.
Incorrect primary/secondary sequence of C25.0-C25.9 with metastatic site codes impacts data analysis, staging, and treatment planning documentation.
Lack of documented histology confirmation (e.g., adenocarcinoma 8140/3) for metastatic disease raises coding validity concerns and compliance issues.
Patient presents with complaints consistent with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Symptoms include progressive abdominal pain, significant weight loss, jaundice, and new-onset diabetes mellitus. Physical examination reveals palpable abdominal mass and scleral icterus. Imaging studies, including abdominal CT scan with contrast and endoscopic ultrasound, confirm the presence of a primary pancreatic tumor with metastatic lesions identified in the liver. CA 19-9 levels are markedly elevated. Biopsy of the pancreatic lesion confirms adenocarcinoma. Diagnosis of stage IV metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma is made based on imaging and histopathological findings. The patient's performance status is assessed using the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scale. Treatment options, including palliative chemotherapy, pain management, and supportive care, were discussed with the patient and family. Patient understands the prognosis and treatment plan. Referral to oncology, palliative care, and nutritional support services has been initiated. Follow-up appointment scheduled in two weeks to reassess symptoms and discuss treatment response. Differential diagnoses considered included chronic pancreatitis, choledocholithiasis, and other gastrointestinal malignancies. ICD-10 code C25.9 (malignant neoplasm of pancreas, unspecified) and appropriate staging codes will be applied. Medical coding and billing will reflect the complexity of the patient's condition and management plan.