ICD-10 Code C49.12 – Malignant neoplasm of connective and soft tissue of left upper limb, including shoulder (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C49.12 – Malignant neoplasm of connective and soft tissue of left upper limb, including shoulder
What it is
C49.12 identifies a malignant tumor arising in the connective or soft tissues of the left upper limb, including the shoulder. Use it when the documentation specifies this anatomic site and a soft tissue primary cancer.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Soft tissue sarcomas may present as a growing mass, pain, swelling, or reduced arm or shoulder function, but coding should follow the recorded diagnosis and site.
When to use this code
Use C49.12 when the provider documents a malignant neoplasm of connective tissue or soft tissue in the left arm, forearm, upper arm, axilla, or shoulder region. It also fits confirmed primary soft tissue cancer at this site when laterality is left. Check documentation if the record only says “soft tissue mass” or “tumor” without malignancy.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for benign soft tissue tumors, unspecified laterality, or cancers that originate in bone, skin, or lymph nodes. If the site or behavior is unclear, check documentation.
Coding tip
Confirm both malignancy and left-sided location in the provider note before assigning C49.12.