ICD-10 Code C13.1 – Malignant neoplasm of aryepiglottic fold, hypopharyngeal aspect (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C13.1 – Malignant neoplasm of aryepiglottic fold, hypopharyngeal aspect
What it is
C13.1 identifies a malignant tumor arising in the hypopharyngeal side of the aryepiglottic fold. Use it when documentation specifies this exact primary site.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly recorded findings include throat pain, dysphagia, odynophagia, voice change, or a visible mass on exam or endoscopy.
When to use this code
Use C13.1 when the provider documents primary cancer of the aryepiglottic fold on the hypopharyngeal aspect. Apply it for confirmed malignant neoplasm, not for suspected disease, screening, or a history of cancer. If the site is described differently, check documentation before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for benign lesions, dysplasia, or cancers clearly documented in another head and neck site. If the record only says “throat cancer” or the anatomic site is unclear, check documentation.
Coding tip
Code the most specific documented primary site and verify whether the tumor is primary, secondary, or unspecified.