ICD-10 Code D16.9 – Benign neoplasm of bone and articular cartilage, unspecified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code D16.9 – Benign neoplasm of bone and articular cartilage, unspecified
What it is
D16.9 identifies a noncancerous tumor arising in bone or articular cartilage when the site is not specified. Use it when the record confirms a benign bone or cartilage neoplasm but does not name the exact location.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Benign bone lesions may be found after pain, swelling, a palpable mass, or an incidental imaging finding, and diagnosis is usually confirmed by imaging, pathology, or both.
When to use this code
Use D16.9 when the provider documents a benign neoplasm of bone or articular cartilage and the anatomic site is not stated. It also fits when the lesion is described as benign but the chart lacks enough detail to assign a more specific code. If the site is documented, choose the site-specific code instead.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for malignant bone tumors, metastatic disease, or inflammatory bone disorders. Do not use it when the record clearly identifies a specific bone or joint cartilage site.
Coding tip
Check pathology, imaging, and operative notes for the exact location before defaulting to the unspecified code.