ICD-10 Code D12.5 – Benign neoplasm of sigmoid colon (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code D12.5 – Benign neoplasm of sigmoid colon
What it is
D12.5 identifies a noncancerous tumor located in the sigmoid colon, the lower part of the large intestine. It tells you the lesion is benign, not malignant, but still requires documentation and follow-up.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. This diagnosis is often supported by colonoscopy, biopsy, or pathology showing a benign neoplasm in the sigmoid colon.
When to use this code
Use D12.5 when the provider documents a benign neoplasm specifically in the sigmoid colon. It is appropriate after endoscopic or surgical pathology confirms the lesion is nonmalignant. If the record only says “colon polyp” or does not specify location, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for malignant colorectal tumors, inflammatory lesions, or unspecified colon neoplasms. If the site is not clearly the sigmoid colon, code the documented location instead.
Coding tip
Verify both the benign nature and the exact anatomic site in the pathology or operative report before assigning D12.5.