ICD-10 Code D21.1 – Benign neoplasm of connective and other soft tissue of upper limb, including shoulder (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code D21.1 – Benign neoplasm of connective and other soft tissue of upper limb, including shoulder
What it is
D21.1 identifies a noncancerous tumor arising from connective or other soft tissues in the upper limb, including the shoulder. Use it when documentation clearly states a benign soft tissue neoplasm in that anatomic region.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly, these lesions are described as a localized mass, swelling, or lump, with pathology or imaging supporting a benign soft tissue tumor.
When to use this code
Use D21.1 when the provider documents a benign neoplasm of soft tissue in the arm, forearm, wrist, hand, or shoulder. It may also apply after excision or biopsy when the confirmed diagnosis remains benign. Check documentation if the site is unclear or if pathology is pending.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for malignant soft tissue tumors, uncertain behavior, or nonspecific masses without a confirmed benign diagnosis. Do not assign it when the lesion is in a different anatomic site.
Coding tip
Verify both the benign nature and the exact upper-limb location before coding.