ICD-10 Code C33 – Malignant neoplasm of trachea (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C33 – Malignant neoplasm of trachea
What it is
C33 identifies a malignant tumor arising in the trachea, the airway that carries air from the larynx to the bronchi. Use this code when documentation states primary tracheal cancer.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common findings may include cough, dyspnea, wheezing, hemoptysis, or airway obstruction, but you should code only what is documented as a tracheal malignancy.
When to use this code
Use C33 when the provider documents a primary malignant neoplasm of the trachea, including confirmed tracheal cancer or carcinoma of the trachea. Apply it when the record clearly identifies the trachea as the primary site. If the site is uncertain or another airway structure is named, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use C33 for benign tracheal tumors, tracheitis, or cancers arising in the larynx, bronchi, or lung. If the documentation does not specify a malignant tracheal primary, check documentation.
Coding tip
Verify that the trachea is documented as the primary site before assigning C33.