ICD-10 Code D00.04 – Carcinoma in situ of soft palate (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code D00.04 – Carcinoma in situ of soft palate
What it is
D00.04 identifies carcinoma in situ located in the soft palate. This means abnormal epithelial cells are present in the soft palate but have not invaded deeper tissue.
Clinical signs
Findings may include a visible mucosal lesion, leukoplakia, erythematous change, or a biopsy showing in situ malignancy. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use D00.04 when the provider documents carcinoma in situ specifically involving the soft palate. It is appropriate after pathology or a definitive clinical diagnosis confirms a noninvasive malignant process at that site. If the record only says oral dysplasia or suspicious lesion, check documentation before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for invasive soft palate cancer or for malignant neoplasm of another oral site. It is also inappropriate when the lesion is benign, inflammatory, or unspecified.
Coding tip
Confirm both the anatomic site and the “in situ” wording in the pathology or provider note before assigning D00.04.