ICD-10 Code C45.0 – Mesothelioma of pleura (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C45.0 – Mesothelioma of pleura
What it is
C45.0 identifies malignant mesothelioma arising in the pleura, the lining around the lungs. Use it when documentation specifies pleural mesothelioma.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly noted findings include pleural effusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, or pleural thickening on imaging.
When to use this code
Use C45.0 when the provider documents mesothelioma of the pleura, including confirmed primary pleural disease. Apply it from pathology, imaging, or specialist documentation that clearly identifies pleural origin.
If the record only says “mesothelioma” without a site, check documentation before assigning a site-specific code. Code the documented anatomic location, not a suspected or unspecified one.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for mesothelioma of other sites, such as peritoneum or pericardium. Do not use it when pleural disease is only suspected; check documentation.
Coding tip
Confirm the exact anatomic site in the report before coding, because mesothelioma codes are site-specific.