Malignant neoplasm of ureter

This code signifies the presence of a primary cancerous tumor originating within the ureter, the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. This malignancy can affect any part of the ureter, leading to potential obstruction and hematuria.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states a malignant neoplasm of the ureter. This includes primary carcinomas, sarcomas, or other malignant growths identified through biopsy, imaging, or surgical pathology. It is appropriate for both initial diagnosis and subsequent treatment encounters.

• Always confirm the primary nature of the malignancy; metastatic disease to the ureter would be coded differently.
• Specify the exact location within the ureter if documented (e.g., upper, middle, lower third) using more specific ICD-9 codes if available.
• Ensure documentation supports the diagnosis, such as pathology reports confirming malignancy.