ICD-10 Code C74 – Malignant neoplasm of adrenal gland (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C74 – Malignant neoplasm of adrenal gland
What it is
C74 identifies a malignant tumor arising in the adrenal gland. Use it when the record documents primary cancer of the adrenal gland, not a benign adrenal mass or a metastasis from another site.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Patients may have an adrenal mass, local pain, or hormone-related findings if the tumor is functional, but coding should follow the documented diagnosis rather than symptoms alone.
When to use this code
Use C74 when the provider documents malignant neoplasm of the adrenal gland, including adrenal carcinoma or other primary adrenal cancer terminology. It is also appropriate when the chart clearly identifies a malignant adrenal tumor without naming a more specific site code.
If the record describes a secondary adrenal metastasis, or only an adrenal incidentaloma without malignancy, this code is not correct. Check documentation carefully for laterality, primary site, and whether the lesion is primary or metastatic.
Do not use for
Do not use C74 for benign adrenal tumors, adrenal hyperplasia, or nonspecific adrenal masses. Do not assign it when the adrenal lesion is documented as metastatic disease from another primary cancer.
Coding tip
Confirm the pathology or provider assessment states primary malignancy of the adrenal gland before assigning C74.