Malignant neoplasm of upper limb

This code signifies a primary cancerous tumor originating in the tissues of the upper extremity, including the shoulder, arm, forearm, wrist, and hand. It indicates the presence of a malignant growth that has not been specified as to its exact anatomical site within the upper limb.

Use this code when documentation confirms a primary malignant neoplasm located anywhere within the upper limb, but a more specific anatomical site (e.g., humerus, radius, ulna, carpal bones, soft tissue of the arm) is not identified or is unknown. This code is appropriate when the physician's diagnosis specifies "malignant neoplasm of upper limb, unspecified."

• Always attempt to code to the highest level of specificity for the anatomical site of the malignant neoplasm.
• If the specific bone or soft tissue site within the upper limb is documented, use the more precise ICD-9-CM code.
• This code is for primary malignancies; use secondary (metastatic) codes if the upper limb is a site of metastasis from another primary tumor.