ICD-10 Code C75.4 – Malignant neoplasm of carotid body (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C75.4 – Malignant neoplasm of carotid body
What it is
C75.4 identifies a malignant tumor arising in the carotid body, a small endocrine structure at the carotid artery bifurcation. Use it when documentation states a cancer of the carotid body.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly, the mass may present as a neck lump near the carotid bifurcation, sometimes with local pain, pressure, or vascular-related findings.
When to use this code
Use C75.4 when the provider documents malignant neoplasm of the carotid body, including pathology-confirmed cancer or a clearly stated malignant paraganglioma in that site. Code it from the final diagnosis, operative note, or oncology assessment. Check documentation if the site or behavior is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for benign carotid body tumors or for unspecified neck masses without a malignant diagnosis. Check documentation when the lesion is described as paraganglioma, tumor, or neoplasm without confirmed malignancy.
Coding tip
Verify both site and malignant behavior before assigning C75.4; if either is missing, query the provider.