ICD-10 Code C22.0 – Liver cell carcinoma (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C22.0 – Liver cell carcinoma
What it is
C22.0 identifies primary cancer arising from liver cells, also called hepatocellular carcinoma. Use it when the record documents a malignant tumor originating in the liver rather than spread from another site.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly recorded findings include a liver mass, abdominal pain, weight loss, jaundice, or imaging and pathology confirming hepatocellular carcinoma.
When to use this code
Use C22.0 when the provider documents liver cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, or primary malignant neoplasm of the liver. It also fits confirmed cases based on pathology, imaging, or specialist assessment. If the note only says “liver cancer,” verify whether it is primary or metastatic before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for secondary malignant neoplasm of the liver or for other specified liver cancers. Check documentation when the diagnosis is uncertain or when the tumor originates outside the liver.
Coding tip
Confirm that the cancer is primary liver cell carcinoma, not metastatic disease, before assigning C22.0.