Find comprehensive information on Renal Cell Carcinoma diagnosis, including ICD-10 codes (C64), clinical documentation improvement (CDI) best practices, and healthcare coding guidelines. Learn about renal cancer staging, symptoms, treatment options, and pathology reports. This resource provides essential knowledge for medical professionals, coders, and patients seeking accurate information on renal cell cancer diagnosis and management.
Also known as
Malignant neoplasm of kidney
Cancer originating in the kidney.
Secondary malignant neoplasm of kidney
Cancer that has spread to the kidney from another site.
Secondary malignant neoplasm of renal pelvis
Cancer that has spread to the renal pelvis from elsewhere.
Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of kidney
Abnormal growth in the kidney with unknown potential.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the renal cell carcinoma confirmed?
Yes
Is there lateralization?
No
Do not code renal cell carcinoma. Code the presenting signs/symptoms.
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Kidney cancer arising from renal tubules. |
| Benign kidney cyst filled with fluid. |
| Kidney infection, often bacterial. |
Missing or unclear documentation of right, left, or bilateral kidney involvement impacts code selection (C64.9 vs. C64.1, C64.2).
Unspecified histology (e.g., C64.9) when a more specific subtype is known leads to inaccurate coding and reimbursement.
Inconsistent or missing documentation of TNM stage impacts code assignment and appropriate grouping for payment (e.g., cT1a vs cT2b).
Patient presents with concerning symptoms suggestive of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Presenting complaints may include hematuria, flank pain, palpable abdominal mass, weight loss, fatigue, fever, hypertension, and hypercalcemia. Differential diagnosis includes renal cysts, renal angiomyolipoma, renal oncocytoma, and other renal masses. Diagnostic workup includes urinalysis, complete blood count (CBC), comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis with and without contrast, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) if indicated, and biopsy for histopathological confirmation. Staging of renal cell cancer is crucial for treatment planning and prognosis and is based on tumor size, nodal involvement, and metastatic spread (TNM staging). Treatment options for renal cell cancer include surgery (partial nephrectomy, radical nephrectomy), targeted therapy (tyrosine kinase inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors), immunotherapy (checkpoint inhibitors), radiation therapy, and ablation. Patient education regarding treatment options, potential side effects, and follow-up care is essential. Referral to oncology, urology, and other specialists as needed is coordinated. Medical coding and billing will utilize appropriate ICD-10 codes (C64) and CPT codes for procedures performed. Prognosis and survival rates are dependent on the stage and grade of the cancer, as well as patient-specific factors. Continued surveillance and monitoring for recurrence are crucial components of long-term management.