ICD-10 Code C79.70 – Secondary malignant neoplasm of unspecified adrenal gland (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C79.70 – Secondary malignant neoplasm of unspecified adrenal gland
What it is
This code identifies metastatic cancer involving an adrenal gland when the record does not specify right or left. Use it for secondary malignant disease in the adrenal gland, not for a primary adrenal tumor.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Patients may have imaging or pathology showing metastatic involvement of an adrenal gland, sometimes found during cancer staging or follow-up.
When to use this code
Use C79.70 when the provider documents secondary malignant neoplasm of the adrenal gland and laterality is not stated. It also fits cases where imaging or biopsy confirms adrenal metastasis but the chart does not identify the side.
If the record names the primary cancer, code that first when required by sequencing rules. Check documentation when the adrenal lesion is described only as a mass, nodule, or abnormal finding without confirmed malignancy.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for primary adrenal cancer, benign adrenal lesions, or unspecified adrenal masses without evidence of metastasis. Check documentation if the adrenal finding is not clearly malignant.
Coding tip
Capture laterality whenever the provider documents it; otherwise, C79.70 is appropriate for unspecified adrenal metastasis.