ICD-10 Code D44.6 – Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of carotid body (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code D44.6 – Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of carotid body
What it is
D44.6 identifies a carotid body mass whose behavior cannot be determined as benign or malignant from available documentation. Use it when the record describes an uncertain neoplasm arising in the carotid body.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Carotid body tumors may present as a painless neck mass, bruit, or symptoms from local compression, but the code depends on the documented uncertain behavior.
When to use this code
Use D44.6 when the provider documents a carotid body neoplasm with uncertain behavior, borderline behavior, or similar wording. It also fits when pathology or imaging supports a carotid body tumor but malignancy is not established. If behavior is clearly benign or malignant, choose the more specific code.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for a clearly benign carotid body tumor or a confirmed malignant neoplasm. Check documentation if the lesion is described only as a mass, paraganglioma, or tumor without behavior detail.
Coding tip
Code the behavior exactly as documented and verify the anatomic site is the carotid body.