Cytologic evidence of malignancy on smear of anus

This code indicates the presence of malignant cells identified during a cytological examination of a smear taken from the anus. It signifies a positive finding for cancer based on microscopic analysis of cellular material, rather than a biopsy. This is a non-specific finding that requires further investigation to determine the primary site and type of malignancy.

Use this code when pathology reports document "cytologic evidence of malignancy" or "positive for malignant cells" from an anal smear. This typically occurs following an abnormal screening test, such as an anal Pap test, or during the workup for suspected anal cancer. Documentation must explicitly state the anal origin of the smear.

• This code represents an abnormal finding, not a definitive cancer diagnosis; further codes for the specific malignancy will likely be needed once confirmed.
• Do not use this code if a biopsy has already confirmed a specific anal malignancy; instead, code the definitive cancer.
• Sequence this code as a primary diagnosis when the abnormal cytology is the reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis when investigating other conditions.