Malignant neoplasm of major salivary gland, unspecified

This code signifies a cancerous tumor originating in one of the major salivary glands (parotid, submandibular, or sublingual) when the specific gland involved is not documented. It indicates a primary malignancy of the glandular tissue responsible for saliva production.

Use this code when the medical record clearly states a malignant neoplasm of a major salivary gland, but the specific gland (e.g., parotid, submandibular) is not identified. Documentation such as "malignant salivary gland tumor, site unspecified" or "cancer of major salivary gland, NOS" supports its use.

• Avoid using this code if the specific major salivary gland is documented; instead, use a more precise code from the C07 or C08.0-C08.8 range.
• Ensure the documentation confirms malignancy; benign tumors of salivary glands are coded elsewhere (e.g., D11.-).
• Always sequence this code as the primary diagnosis if it is the reason for the encounter, unless another condition is clearly designated as the principal diagnosis.