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C78.5 vs D12.7

C78.5 (Secondary malignant neoplasm of large intestine and rectum) compared with D12.7 (Benign neoplasm of rectosigmoid junction), from the official CMS tabular data. C78.5 and D12.7 name the same anatomical site (colon) with a different neoplasm behavior. MedCoder-derived

Relationship

Informational

Neoplasm table relationship

C78.5
Secondary malignant neoplasm of large intestine and rectum
D12.7
Benign neoplasm of rectosigmoid junction

Same anatomical site, different neoplasm behavior.

Same site — benign neoplasm (colon)

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

Can these codes be reported together?

Same site, different neoplasm behavior. C78.5 and D12.7 name the same anatomical site (colon) 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.

Side by side

C78.5Secondary malignant neoplasm of large intestine and rectumD12.7Benign neoplasm of rectosigmoid junction
Billing statusBillableBillable
ClassificationC00-D49 — NeoplasmsC00-D49 — Neoplasms
DefinitionSecondary malignant neoplasm of large intestine and rectum is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code (C78.5).Benign neoplasm of rectosigmoid junction is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code (D12.7).

Derived from the official CMS ICD-10-CM tabular data (FY2026). Not billing advice; verify sequencing rules for the encounter. All data sources