ICD-10 Code C38.0 – Malignant neoplasm of heart (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C38.0 – Malignant neoplasm of heart
What it is
C38.0 identifies a malignant tumor arising in the heart. Use this code when the record documents primary cancer of the heart, not spread from another site.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Reported findings may include chest pain, dyspnea, arrhythmias, heart failure, or symptoms from obstruction or embolic events.
When to use this code
Use C38.0 when the provider clearly documents malignant neoplasm of the heart as the diagnosis. It may appear in pathology, imaging, or oncology notes when the tumor is confirmed or strongly established. If the record describes secondary involvement from another primary cancer, check documentation before coding this site.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for benign cardiac tumors or for metastases to the heart from another primary malignancy. If the chart only says “cardiac mass” or “heart lesion,” check documentation.
Coding tip
Confirm whether the heart cancer is primary or secondary, because site and sequencing depend on that distinction.