ICD-10 Code C10.1 – Malignant neoplasm of anterior surface of epiglottis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C10.1 – Malignant neoplasm of anterior surface of epiglottis
What it is
C10.1 identifies a malignant tumor arising on the anterior surface of the epiglottis, a structure in the throat above the larynx. Use it when documentation specifies this exact subsite.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly documented findings may include throat pain, dysphagia, hoarseness, or a visible epiglottic mass confirmed on examination, imaging, or biopsy.
When to use this code
Use C10.1 when the provider documents primary cancer of the anterior surface of the epiglottis. It also applies when pathology, endoscopy, or imaging localizes the malignancy to that exact site. If the note only says “epiglottis” without a surface, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for benign epiglottic lesions, metastatic disease to the epiglottis, or cancers described only as supraglottic, laryngeal, or oropharyngeal without the anterior surface specified.
Coding tip
Code the most specific anatomic site documented, and query the provider if the record does not clearly identify the anterior surface of the epiglottis.