Malignant neoplasm of head of pancreas

This code signifies a cancerous tumor originating in the head of the pancreas. This is a serious malignancy often associated with obstructive jaundice due to its proximity to the common bile duct. The tumor arises from the exocrine or endocrine cells of the pancreatic head.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states a malignant neoplasm located in the head of the pancreas. This diagnosis is typically confirmed by imaging studies (e.g., CT, MRI) and biopsy. Use for primary pancreatic head cancer, not metastatic disease to the pancreas.

• Ensure documentation specifies "head of pancreas" to differentiate from other pancreatic locations.
• Do not use for benign neoplasms or cysts of the pancreatic head.
• Sequence as the primary diagnosis when the pancreatic head malignancy is the reason for the encounter.