ICD-10 Code D35.5 – Benign neoplasm of carotid body (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code D35.5 – Benign neoplasm of carotid body
What it is
D35.5 identifies a noncancerous tumor arising from the carotid body, a small structure near the carotid artery in the neck. It indicates a benign paraganglionic growth, not a malignant neoplasm.
Clinical signs
Patients may present with a painless, slowly enlarging neck mass near the carotid bifurcation. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for imaging, biopsy, or operative findings supporting the diagnosis.
When to use this code
Use D35.5 when the provider documents a benign carotid body tumor or carotid body paraganglioma without malignant behavior. Assign it for confirmed cases in outpatient, inpatient, or surgical records when the diagnosis is established. If the note only says “neck mass,” you need clearer documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use D35.5 for malignant paraganglioma, uncertain behavior, or a nonspecific cervical mass. Check documentation if the lesion is described as metastatic, recurrent, or not yet characterized.
Coding tip
Code the documented benign tumor site precisely; “carotid body” is more specific than general head and neck neoplasm terminology.