Malignant neoplasm of heart

This code identifies a primary cancerous tumor originating within the heart muscle, valves, or pericardium. These are extremely rare malignancies, often presenting with symptoms similar to other cardiac conditions like heart failure or arrhythmias.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates a primary malignant neoplasm of the heart, confirmed by pathology or imaging. This typically applies to conditions such as primary cardiac angiosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, or fibrosarcoma. Ensure the physician explicitly states the heart as the primary site.

• Differentiate between primary cardiac malignancies and metastatic tumors to the heart; for metastatic disease, code the primary site and secondary malignant neoplasm of heart (C79.89).
• Review pathology reports carefully to confirm the malignant nature and primary origin within the heart.
• Do not confuse with malignant neoplasms of the great vessels (e.g., aorta, vena cava), which are coded to C49.3.