ICD-10 Code C16.5 – Malignant neoplasm of lesser curvature of stomach, unspecified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C16.5 – Malignant neoplasm of lesser curvature of stomach, unspecified
What it is
C16.5 identifies a malignant tumor arising in the lesser curvature of the stomach when the exact subsite is not further specified. Use it for documented stomach cancer limited to that gastric region.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly recorded findings include upper abdominal pain, weight loss, early satiety, nausea, or anemia, but the diagnosis should be supported by imaging, endoscopy, or pathology.
When to use this code
Use C16.5 when the provider documents primary gastric cancer of the lesser curvature and does not name a more specific location. It also fits cases where the record states “lesser curvature” without further detail. Check documentation if the site is described as overlapping, cardia, pylorus, or another gastric region.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for benign gastric lesions, non-malignant ulcers, or cancers clearly documented in another stomach subsite. If the chart does not confirm the lesser curvature, check documentation.
Coding tip
Assign C16.5 only when the lesser curvature is explicitly documented as the primary site and no more specific gastric subsite is given.