ICD-10 Code C16.0 – Malignant neoplasm of cardia (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C16.0 – Malignant neoplasm of cardia
What it is
C16.0 identifies a malignant tumor arising in the cardia, the upper stomach region near the gastroesophageal junction. Use it when documentation states cancer of the gastric cardia or a primary malignancy in that location.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly reported findings in gastric cancer include upper abdominal discomfort, weight loss, early satiety, nausea, or evidence of a mass on endoscopy or imaging.
When to use this code
Use C16.0 when the provider documents primary malignant neoplasm of the cardia, gastric cardia cancer, or cancer limited to that anatomic site. It is also appropriate when pathology or operative notes confirm a primary tumor in the cardia.
If the record only says “stomach cancer” without a specific site, check documentation before selecting this code. Code the confirmed primary site rather than assuming another gastric subsite.
Do not use for
Do not use C16.0 for benign cardia lesions, metastatic disease to the stomach, or unspecified gastric cancer. Check documentation if the tumor involves the esophagus or crosses the gastroesophageal junction.
Coding tip
Verify the exact anatomic site in pathology, endoscopy, or surgeon documentation before assigning C16.0.