ICD-10 Code C76.0 – Malignant neoplasm of head, face and neck (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C76.0 – Malignant neoplasm of head, face and neck
What it is
C76.0 identifies a malignant neoplasm in the head, face, or neck when the exact primary site is not more specifically documented. Use it for cancer in this broad anatomic region when the record does not support a more precise code.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common findings may include a mass, swelling, pain, ulceration, or local tissue invasion in the head, face, or neck region, but the diagnosis must be supported by the provider’s note.
When to use this code
Use C76.0 when the provider documents a malignant neoplasm of the head, face, or neck and does not name a more specific subsite. It is appropriate when the lesion’s exact origin is unclear or not recorded. If the chart identifies a specific site, code that site instead.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for benign tumors, carcinoma in situ, or metastatic disease without documentation of a primary tumor in this region. Check documentation if the cancer is assigned to a more specific head, face, or neck site.
Coding tip
Query for the exact anatomic site before defaulting to C76.0, because more specific site codes are preferred when documented.