ICD-10 Code C05.0 – Malignant neoplasm of hard palate (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C05.0 – Malignant neoplasm of hard palate
What it is
C05.0 identifies a malignant tumor arising in the hard palate, the bony front part of the roof of the mouth. Use it when the record documents primary cancer of this site.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include a persistent oral lesion, ulcer, mass, or pain in the hard palate. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation, pathology, and site-specific exam findings.
When to use this code
Use C05.0 when the provider documents malignant neoplasm of the hard palate as the primary site. It is appropriate for confirmed cancer diagnoses, including biopsy-supported oral cavity malignancy, when the hard palate is specifically named.
If the note only states “oral cancer” or another mouth site, check documentation before assigning this code. Make sure the record distinguishes the hard palate from adjacent oral structures.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for benign, dysplastic, inflammatory, or traumatic palate lesions. Do not assign it when the malignancy site is unspecified or documented elsewhere in the oral cavity.
Coding tip
Code the exact anatomic site from the pathology or provider note; if the hard palate is not clearly identified, check documentation.