Liver cancer is a serious diagnosis, and accurate coding is essential for medical billing, statistics, and research. In the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM), the primary diagnosis code for liver cell carcinoma is C22.0. This code is crucial for identifying and categorizing cases of hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of primary liver cancer.
C22.0: Liver Cell Carcinoma – A Specific Diagnosis Code
ICD-10-CM code C22.0 is a billable and specific code, meaning it is precise enough to be used for reimbursement purposes. It falls under the category of “Malignant neoplasm of liver and intrahepatic bile ducts” within the broader ICD-10-CM classification. Effective since October 1, 2015, and updated annually, the 2025 edition of C22.0 remains consistent with previous years. This code is specific to the American ICD-10-CM version; international versions may have variations.
What Conditions Does C22.0 Cover?
The diagnosis code C22.0 is used to specifically classify:
- Liver cell carcinoma: This is the most common term and directly reflects the code description.
- Hepatocellular carcinoma: This is a more technical and clinically preferred term for liver cell carcinoma arising from hepatocytes.
- Hepatoma: This is an older term, sometimes still used, and is considered a synonym for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Clinical Information Associated with Liver Cell Carcinoma (C22.0)
Liver cell carcinoma, or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a malignancy originating from the hepatocytes, the main cells of the liver. HCC is more prevalent in certain regions, being relatively rare in the United States but significantly common in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. While it can occur in younger individuals and even children, it is most frequently diagnosed in patients over 50 years old. Men are also more likely to develop HCC than women.
Several risk factors are strongly linked to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, including:
- Hepatitis B and C viral infections: Chronic infection with these viruses is a major risk factor worldwide.
- Chronic alcohol abuse: Long-term excessive alcohol consumption can lead to cirrhosis and subsequently increase HCC risk.
- Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver from any cause significantly elevates the risk of HCC.
Diagnosis of liver cell carcinoma often involves imaging studies and may include a blood test for alpha-fetoprotein, which is frequently elevated in HCC patients. The presentation of HCC can vary, appearing as a single tumor, multiple nodules, or diffuse involvement throughout the liver. Microscopically, HCC tumors can range from well-differentiated, resembling normal liver cells, to poorly differentiated, more aggressive forms. Unfortunately, HCC has a tendency to metastasize, often spreading to regional lymph nodes and the lungs. Without treatment, the median survival time for liver cell carcinoma is approximately four months. Treatment options include surgical resection, liver transplantation, and other localized or systemic therapies depending on the stage and characteristics of the tumor.
Code History and Context within ICD-10-CM
The diagnosis code C22.0 was introduced in 2016 with the implementation of ICD-10-CM and has remained unchanged through the 2025 revisions. It is positioned within a series of related codes in the ICD-10-CM manual. Codes adjacent to C22.0 include other malignant neoplasms of the liver and biliary tract, such as:
- C22.1: Intrahepatic bile duct carcinoma
- C22.2: Hepatoblastoma
- C22.8: Malignant neoplasm of liver, primary, unspecified as to type
- C22.9: Malignant neoplasm of liver, not specified as primary or secondary
Understanding the specific ICD-10-CM diagnosis code C22.0 is crucial for accurately classifying liver cell carcinoma in medical records, ensuring proper billing, and contributing to public health data and cancer research. For healthcare professionals, correct coding is an integral part of patient care and data management.
