ICD-10 Code C76.1 – Malignant neoplasm of thorax (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C76.1 – Malignant neoplasm of thorax
What it is
This code identifies a malignant neoplasm located in the thorax when the exact anatomic site is not further specified. Use it for a documented cancer of the chest region that is not named as lung, pleura, mediastinum, or another more specific site.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Patients may present with chest pain, cough, shortness of breath, or an abnormal imaging finding, but the record must support a malignant thoracic mass or lesion.
When to use this code
Use C76.1 when the provider documents a primary or secondary malignant neoplasm in the thorax and does not identify a more precise site. It is appropriate when the chart says “malignant neoplasm of thorax,” “chest wall malignancy,” or similar nonspecific thoracic wording. Check documentation if the site could be coded elsewhere.
Do not use for
Do not use this code when the malignancy is clearly documented as lung, pleura, mediastinum, or another specific thoracic organ. Do not assign it for benign tumors, uncertain behavior, or metastatic disease without thoracic site documentation.
Coding tip
If the record gives a more exact thoracic location, code that site instead of C76.1.