ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C15 - Malignant neoplasm of esophagus (original) (raw)

ICD List 2025-2026 Edition

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6. 2026 ICD-10-CM Code C15

Malignant neoplasm of esophagus

ICD-10-CM Code:

C15

ICD-10 Code for:

Malignant neoplasm of esophagus

Is Billable?

Not Valid for Submission

Code Navigator:

C15 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity from the list below for a diagnosis of malignant neoplasm of esophagus. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2026 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Non-specific codes like C15 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following billable codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for malignant neoplasm of esophagus:

• Use C15.3 for Malignant neoplasm of upper third of esophagus

• Use C15.4 for Malignant neoplasm of middle third of esophagus

• Use C15.5 for Malignant neoplasm of lower third of esophagus

• Use C15.8 for Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of esophagus

• Use C15.9 for Malignant neoplasm of esophagus, unspecified

1. Code Information
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3. Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries
4. Patient Education
5. Other Codes Used Similar Conditions
6. Code History

• Neoplasms
  C00–D49
  • Malignant neoplasms of digestive organs
    C15-C26
    * Malignant neoplasm of esophagus
    C15

Esophageal Cancer

The esophagus is a hollow tube that carries food and liquids from your throat to your stomach. Early esophageal cancer usually does not cause symptoms. Later, you may have symptoms such as:

• Painful or difficult swallowing
• Weight loss
• A hoarse voice or cough that doesn't go away

You're at greater risk for getting esophageal cancer if you smoke, drink heavily, or have acid reflux. Your risk also goes up as you age

Your doctor uses imaging tests and a biopsy to diagnose esophageal cancer. Treatments include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. You might also need nutritional support, since the cancer or treatment may make it hard to swallow.

NIH: National Cancer Institute

[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Esophageal Cancer—Patient Version

Learn about esophageal cancer risk factors, symptoms, tests to diagnose, factors affecting prognosis, staging, and treatment.
[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

• FY 2026 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2025 through 9/30/2026

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• FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023

• FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022

• FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021

• FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020

• FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019

• FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018

• FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017

• FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.

• Previous Code: C14.8

• Next Code: C15.3