ICD-10 Code C10.3 – Malignant neoplasm of posterior wall of oropharynx (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C10.3 – Malignant neoplasm of posterior wall of oropharynx
What it is
C10.3 identifies a malignant tumor arising in the posterior wall of the oropharynx. Use it when the record specifies cancer in that exact anatomic site.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly, patients may have a visible or biopsy-proven oropharyngeal mass, sore throat, dysphagia, odynophagia, or referred ear pain.
When to use this code
Use C10.3 when the provider documents primary malignancy of the posterior pharyngeal wall within the oropharynx. It also fits pathology-confirmed disease or a definitive clinical diagnosis tied to that site. If the note only says “oropharyngeal cancer” without location, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for cancers of the tonsil, base of tongue, soft palate, or other head and neck sites. Do not assign it when the lesion is benign, metastatic, or the exact site is not documented.
Coding tip
Verify the anatomic site in the operative report, pathology, or oncology note before assigning C10.3.