Malignant neoplasm of aortic body and other paraganglia

This diagnosis code signifies a primary cancerous tumor originating in the aortic body or other paraganglia, which are neuroendocrine tissues found throughout the body. These tumors, known as paragangliomas, are typically slow-growing but can be aggressive and metastasize. They often secrete catecholamines, leading to symptoms like hypertension and palpitations.

Apply this code when documentation confirms a primary malignant neoplasm of the aortic body, carotid body, or other paraganglia. This includes cases where pathology reports definitively identify the tumor as malignant. Documentation should specify the primary site and confirm malignancy, differentiating it from benign paragangliomas.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "malignant" for paragangliomas; otherwise, a benign code (D35.0-D35.6) may be more appropriate.
• Distinguish between primary and secondary (metastatic) sites; this code is for the primary malignancy.
• If the specific paraganglion is not identified as aortic body, but is known to be malignant, this code is still applicable for "other paraganglia."