ICD10
ICD-10 Code C15: Malignant neoplasm of esophagus
Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 21 May 2026
What is this code?
ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Neoplasms (C00-D49).
When is it used?
- May be used when a clinician documents malignant neoplasm of esophagus in a patient's medical record.
- May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
- This code may act more like a grouping or parent code, so a more specific child code may be used in final documentation when available.
What it does not mean
- A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
- A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.
- This entry may represent a broader category rather than the most specific billable code.
Code hierarchy
chapter
2Neoplasms (C00-D49)
block
C00-C96Malignant neoplasms
block
C00-C75Malignant neoplasms, stated or presumed to be primary (of specified sites), and certain specified histologies, except neuroendocrine, and of lymphoid, hematopoietic and related tissue
block
C15-C26Malignant neoplasms of digestive organs
currentC15-C26
Official coding notes
Applicable to
- code to identify:
- alcohol abuse and dependence (F10.-)
Use additional code
- code to identify:
- alcohol abuse and dependence (F10.-)
Where you may see this code
You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen.
Related specialists
OncologistGeneral Physician
Related codes
Sibling codes
C16Malignant neoplasm of stomachC17Malignant neoplasm of small intestineC18Malignant neoplasm of colonC19Malignant neoplasm of rectosigmoid junctionbillableC20Malignant neoplasm of rectumbillableC21Malignant neoplasm of anus and anal canalC22Malignant neoplasm of liver and intrahepatic bile ductsC23Malignant neoplasm of gallbladderbillableC24Malignant neoplasm of other and unspecified parts of biliary tractC25Malignant neoplasm of pancreasC26Malignant neoplasm of other and ill-defined digestive organs
Coding guidelines
Compatibility
Legacy code aligns to an official FY 2026 category. Frontend should resolve to the official category page and surface the billable child codes.
Legacy codes
C15
Replacement codes
C15.3 — Malignant neoplasm of upper third of esophagusC15.4 — Malignant neoplasm of middle third of esophagusC15.5 — Malignant neoplasm of lower third of esophagusC15.8 — Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of esophagusC15.9 — Malignant neoplasm of esophagus, unspecified
Common synonyms
Malignant neoplasm of esophagus
Frequently asked questions
About this content
This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.