C78.39 (Secondary malignant neoplasm of other respiratory organs) compared with D38.0 (Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of larynx), from the official CMS tabular data. C78.39 and D38.0 name the same anatomical site (cartilage) with a different neoplasm behavior.
Same anatomical site, different neoplasm behavior.
Same site — secondary malignancy (cartilage)
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. D38.0 and C78.39 name the same anatomical site (cartilage) with a different neoplasm behavior.
From the CMS 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.
| C78.39Secondary malignant neoplasm of other respiratory organs | D38.0Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of larynx | |
|---|---|---|
| Billing status | Billable | Billable |
| Classification | C00-D49 — Neoplasms (C00-D49) | C00-D49 — Neoplasms (C00-D49) |
| Definition | Secondary malignant neoplasm of other respiratory organs is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code (C78.39). | Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of larynx is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code (D38.0). |
| Includes | — | Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of aryepiglottic fold or interarytenoid fold, laryngeal aspect Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of epiglottis (suprahyoid portion) |
Derived from the official CMS ICD-10-CM tabular data (FY2026). Not billing advice; verify sequencing rules for the encounter. All data sources