ICD-10 Code C16.9 – Malignant neoplasm of stomach, unspecified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C16.9 – Malignant neoplasm of stomach, unspecified
What it is
C16.9 identifies a malignant tumor in the stomach when the record does not specify the exact gastric site. Use it for stomach cancer documented without further detail.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly noted findings include nonspecific upper abdominal symptoms, weight loss, anemia, or evidence of a gastric mass on imaging or endoscopy.
When to use this code
Use C16.9 when the provider documents primary gastric cancer but does not identify the cardia, body, antrum, or another specific stomach location. It also fits when pathology or imaging confirms malignancy, yet the chart remains nonspecific. If laterality or exact site is recorded, code the more specific option instead.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for benign gastric tumors, metastatic disease to the stomach, or cancers documented in a specific stomach subsite. Check documentation if the primary site is uncertain.
Coding tip
Assign the most specific stomach cancer code available; use C16.9 only when the record truly lacks a more precise gastric site.