ICD-10 Code C25.0 – Malignant neoplasm of head of pancreas (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C25.0 – Malignant neoplasm of head of pancreas
What it is
This code identifies a malignant tumor arising in the head of the pancreas. Use it when documentation specifies the pancreatic head as the primary site.
Clinical signs
Patients may present with jaundice, abdominal pain, weight loss, or biliary obstruction. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation and confirmed imaging, pathology, or operative findings.
When to use this code
Use C25.0 when the record clearly states primary cancer of the pancreatic head. It also fits when the provider documents a mass or carcinoma in that location and confirms malignancy. If the site is unclear, check documentation before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for benign pancreatic lesions, metastatic disease to the pancreas, or unspecified pancreatic cancer. If the primary site is not documented as the head, check documentation.
Coding tip
Confirm the exact pancreatic subsite in pathology, imaging, or the final assessment before assigning C25.0.