ICD-10 Code C40.81 – Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of bone and articular cartilage of right limb (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C40.81 – Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of bone and articular cartilage of right limb
What it is
This code identifies a malignant tumor arising in overlapping sites of bone and articular cartilage in the right limb. Use it when the record specifies right-sided involvement and the lesion spans more than one adjacent site.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly, records describe a bone mass, persistent localized pain, swelling, or imaging findings consistent with a malignant bone tumor.
When to use this code
Use C40.81 when the provider documents a primary malignant neoplasm involving overlapping sites of bone and articular cartilage in the right limb. This code is appropriate when laterality and overlapping site are clearly stated in the diagnosis or pathology report.
Check documentation if the tumor site is described only as bone, cartilage, or an unspecified limb location. If the lesion is metastatic, secondary, or in a different extremity, this code is not the best match.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for benign bone lesions, non-neoplastic joint disorders, or malignant tumors in the left limb or unspecified limb. Check documentation when the site is not clearly overlapping.
Coding tip
Verify the exact anatomic site and laterality before coding, because C40.81 is reserved for overlapping sites in the right limb only.