C01: ICD10 Code for Malignant neoplasm of base of tongue

C01 refers to Malignant neoplasm of base of tongue, a category of head and neck cancers involving various anatomical regions of the mouth, throat, and pharynx. These cancers may present with visible lesions, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained bleeding. Early detection and accurate ICD10 coding are critical for effective treatment and tracking of oncologic outcomes.

Symptoms

• Mouth or throat pain – Persistent discomfort in affected areas
• Lump or ulcer – Non-healing lesion in the oral cavity or pharynx
• Difficulty swallowing – Especially for pharyngeal tumors
• Voice changes – Hoarseness or altered speech in advanced cases
• Ear pain – Referred pain from oropharyngeal or hypopharyngeal tumors
• Bleeding – Spontaneous or during brushing/eating
• Weight loss – Often due to difficulty eating or systemic cancer spread

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Malignant neoplasm of base of tongue involves clinical examination, imaging (CT, MRI, PET), and biopsy of suspicious lesions. Endoscopy may be used for deeper regions like the pharynx or sinus. Staging involves TNM classification, guiding the treatment plan, which may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

ICD10 Code Usage

ICD10 code C01 is used in oncology records, pathology reports, insurance billing, and cancer registries to classify malignant tumors of the lip, mouth, and pharynx. Accurate use ensures effective tracking of treatment, survival statistics, and healthcare planning for head and neck malignancies.

Related Codes

• C00 – Malignant neoplasm of lip
• C02 – Malignant neoplasm of other and unspecified parts of tongue
• C03 – Malignant neoplasm of gum
• C04 – Malignant neoplasm of floor of mouth
• C05 – Malignant neoplasm of palate
• C06 – Malignant neoplasm of other and unspecified parts of mouth
• C07 – Malignant neoplasm of parotid gland
• C08 – Malignant neoplasm of other and unspecified major salivary glands
• C09 – Malignant neoplasm of tonsil
• C10 – Malignant neoplasm of oropharynx
• C11 – Malignant neoplasm of nasopharynx
• C12 – Malignant neoplasm of pyriform sinus
• C13 – Malignant neoplasm of hypopharynx
• C14 – Malignant neoplasm of other and ill-defined sites in the lip, oral cavity and pharynx

FAQs

Q1: What is ICD10 code C01?
A: This code documents the diagnosis of Malignant neoplasm of base of tongue, a malignant tumor in the head, neck, or mouth area.

Q2: What causes these cancers?
A: Common causes include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and HPV infection.

Q3: Is it curable?
A: Yes, if caught early. Treatment success depends on cancer stage and location.

Q4: What tests are needed?
A: Biopsy, imaging (CT/MRI), and staging scans are standard for diagnosis and treatment planning.

Q5: Can it spread?
A: Yes, these cancers can metastasize to lymph nodes, lungs, or other organs if untreated.

Conclusion

ICD10 code C01 is vital for recording and managing Malignant neoplasm of base of tongue. It ensures accurate documentation, supports cancer care protocols, and contributes to national oncology statistics and research. Proper coding is key to improving outcomes and ensuring continuity of care for patients with head and neck cancers.