Malignant carcinoid tumor of the descending colon

This code identifies a neuroendocrine tumor originating in the descending colon that exhibits malignant characteristics. Carcinoid tumors are a type of slow-growing cancer that can spread to other parts of the body, and this specific code indicates malignancy within this particular colonic segment.

Apply this code when documentation confirms a malignant carcinoid tumor specifically located in the descending colon. This diagnosis is typically established through biopsy and histopathological examination. Use this code for primary malignant carcinoid tumors, not for metastatic disease to the descending colon.

• Ensure the pathology report explicitly states "malignant carcinoid" and specifies the "descending colon" as the primary site.
• Distinguish from benign carcinoid tumors (D3A.024) or carcinoid tumors of unspecified malignancy (D3A.024, if malignancy cannot be determined).
• Code any metastatic sites separately, as this code only describes the primary tumor location.