ICD-10 Code C22 – Malignant neoplasm of liver and intrahepatic bile ducts (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C22 – Malignant neoplasm of liver and intrahepatic bile ducts
What it is
C22 identifies a malignant neoplasm arising in the liver or intrahepatic bile ducts. Use it when documentation states primary cancer of these structures and no more specific subcategory is provided.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly recorded findings include imaging or pathology evidence of a primary liver or intrahepatic bile duct malignancy, sometimes with weight loss, abdominal pain, jaundice, or an enlarging liver.
When to use this code
Use C22 when the provider documents a primary malignant tumor of the liver or intrahepatic bile ducts and does not specify a more precise site or histology. It may also apply when the record confirms malignancy involving these structures but the exact subsite remains unclear. Check documentation if the note distinguishes primary disease from metastatic cancer.
Do not use for
Do not use C22 for secondary or metastatic liver tumors, or for benign liver masses. If the documentation identifies extrahepatic bile duct cancer or another specific hepatobiliary site, code that condition instead.
Coding tip
Review pathology, imaging, and the provider’s final diagnosis together so you assign C22 only for a documented primary liver or intrahepatic bile duct malignancy.