ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC77.1

C77.1

Billable

Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of intrathoracic lymph nodes

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 C77.1 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of intrathoracic lymph nodes.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C77.1 refers to secondary malignant neoplasms that have metastasized to the intrathoracic lymph nodes, which include lymph nodes located in the thoracic cavity. This condition typically arises from a primary malignancy elsewhere in the body, such as the lungs, breast, or gastrointestinal tract. The diagnosis of C77.1 indicates that the primary tumor is either unknown or has not been specified, which is common in cases where the patient presents with advanced disease. The presence of malignant cells in the intrathoracic lymph nodes can lead to various symptoms, including respiratory distress, cough, and chest pain. Staging of the disease is crucial for determining the extent of metastasis and guiding treatment options, which may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or palliative care. Palliative care considerations are particularly important for patients with advanced metastatic disease, focusing on symptom management and improving quality of life, as curative treatment may not be feasible.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Determining the primary site of cancer when it is unknown
  • Differentiating between primary and secondary malignancies
  • Staging complexity due to the involvement of multiple lymph nodes
  • Documentation requirements for metastatic disease

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the primary malignancy
  • Failure to specify the extent of lymph node involvement
  • Misclassification of primary versus secondary tumors
  • Lack of staging information in the medical record

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of the primary cancer, staging information, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with symptoms of metastatic disease, such as weight loss, cough, or chest pain.

Billing Considerations

Accurate documentation of the primary site and staging is essential for treatment planning.

Pulmonology

Documentation Requirements

Pulmonary function tests, imaging studies, and symptom assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with respiratory symptoms and known history of cancer.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should include the impact of lymph node involvement on respiratory function.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C77.1 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, C77
  • 1 should be used when there is clear documentation of secondary malignancy in the intrathoracic lymph nodes
  • It is important to ensure that the primary site is documented or indicated as unknown
  • Staging information should be included when available

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C77.1 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

38500CPT Code

Biopsy of lymph nodes

Clinical Scenario

Used when a biopsy is performed to confirm metastatic disease in the lymph nodes.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of the indication for biopsy and results.

Specialty Considerations

Oncologists and pathologists must ensure accurate reporting of findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of metastatic diseases, improving the accuracy of cancer registries and treatment planning. C77.1 provides a clear indication of secondary malignancies, which is crucial for patient management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of metastatic diseases, improving the accuracy of cancer registries and treatment planning. C77.1 provides a clear indication of secondary malignancies, which is crucial for patient management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and compliance with regulatory standards.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What does C77.1 indicate?

C77.1 indicates a secondary malignant neoplasm located in the intrathoracic lymph nodes, typically resulting from metastasis from a primary cancer site.