Malig neoplasm of liver, not specified as primary or sec

This code signifies a cancerous tumor originating in the liver where the medical record does not specify whether it is a primary liver cancer (arising directly from liver cells) or a metastatic cancer (spread to the liver from another primary site). It indicates the presence of a malignant liver neoplasm without further etiological clarification.

This code is appropriate when documentation confirms a malignant neoplasm of the liver but lacks definitive information regarding its primary or secondary nature. This often occurs when a biopsy confirms malignancy but further workup to identify the primary site is pending or inconclusive. Use when the physician explicitly states "malignant neoplasm of liver, not specified as primary or secondary."

• Avoid using this code if the documentation clearly states "primary malignant neoplasm of liver" (e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma) or "secondary malignant neoplasm of liver" (e.g., metastatic colon cancer to liver).
• Always query the provider for clarification on the primary or secondary nature of the liver malignancy if not specified, to allow for more specific coding.
• This code should be sequenced as the principal diagnosis when the liver malignancy is the reason for the encounter and its primary/secondary status is unknown.