ICD-10 Code C08.9 – Malignant neoplasm of major salivary gland, unspecified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C08.9 – Malignant neoplasm of major salivary gland, unspecified
What it is
C08.9 identifies a malignant tumor arising in a major salivary gland when the specific gland is not documented. Use it for cancer of the parotid, submandibular, or sublingual region only when the record does not name a site.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common findings may include a persistent salivary gland mass, facial swelling, pain, or cranial nerve involvement, but the diagnosis must be supported by pathology or specialist assessment.
When to use this code
Use C08.9 when the clinician documents a malignant neoplasm of a major salivary gland but does not specify which gland. It is also appropriate when the site is recorded only as a major salivary gland and no further detail is available. If laterality or exact gland is documented, code to the more specific option.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for benign salivary gland tumors, inflammatory gland disorders, or cancers of minor salivary glands. Check documentation if the record names a different head and neck primary site.
Coding tip
Query the provider when the pathology or operative note names the exact gland, because unspecified codes should be a last resort.