C20 (Malignant neoplasm of rectum) compared with D12.8 (Benign neoplasm of rectum), from the official CMS tabular data. C20 and D12.8 name the same anatomical site (rectum) with a different neoplasm behavior. MedCoder-derived
Same anatomical site, different neoplasm behavior.
Same site — benign neoplasm (rectum)
The behavior documented for the site — malignant primary, secondary, carcinoma in situ, benign, uncertain or unspecified — decides which column of the neoplasm table, and therefore which code, applies.
Source: CMS Table of Neoplasms
Same site, different neoplasm behavior. C20 and D12.8 name the same anatomical site (rectum) with a different neoplasm behavior.
From the CMS/CDC Table of Neoplasms: the behavior documented for that site — malignant primary, secondary, carcinoma in situ, benign, uncertain or unspecified — decides which column, and therefore which code, applies.
| C20Malignant neoplasm of rectum | D12.8Benign neoplasm of rectum | |
|---|---|---|
| Billing status | Billable | Billable |
| Classification | C00-D49 — Neoplasms | C00-D49 — Neoplasms |
| Definition | Malignant neoplasm of rectum is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code (C20). | Benign neoplasm of rectum is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code (D12.8). |
| Includes | Malignant neoplasm of rectal ampulla | — |
Derived from the official CMS ICD-10-CM tabular data (FY2026). Not billing advice; verify sequencing rules for the encounter. All data sources