Malignant neoplasm of vertebral column

This code identifies a primary cancerous tumor originating in the bones of the spinal column, excluding the sacrum and coccyx. This malignancy involves the vertebrae themselves, rather than metastatic disease from another primary site.

Assign this code when documentation clearly states a primary malignant neoplasm of any vertebral body from the cervical to the lumbar spine. Supporting documentation should include pathology reports confirming malignancy and specifying the vertebral origin.

• Differentiate between primary vertebral malignancy and metastatic disease to the spine; metastatic lesions are coded to the secondary site.
• Do not use this code for tumors of the spinal cord or meninges; these have separate codes.
• Remember the Excludes1 note: never code this with malignant neoplasm of sacrum and coccyx.