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C09 ICD-10-CM Code: Malignant neoplasm of tonsil

A clear reference for the official code description, hierarchy, and related coding information from the FY 2027 U.S. release.

Official description

C09

Malignant neoplasm of tonsil

ICD-10-CM diagnosis code · United States clinical modification

Where C09 sits

  1. 1

    Chapter 2

    Neoplasms (C00-D49)

  2. 2

    Section

    Malignant neoplasms of lip, oral cavity and pharynx (C00-C14)

  3. 3

    Category C09

    Malignant neoplasm of tonsil

  4. 4

    Code C09

    Malignant neoplasm of tonsil

Codes under C09

C09 is a non-billable category. Choose the child code that best matches the documented diagnosis.

C09.0Malignant neoplasm of tonsillar fossaC09.1Malignant neoplasm of tonsillar pillar (anterior) (posterior)C09.8Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of tonsilC09.9Malignant neoplasm of tonsil, unspecified

Notes for this code

Inclusion terms

No inclusion terms are listed for C09.

Code first

No “code first” instruction is listed for C09.

Use additional code

  • code to identify:
  • alcohol abuse and dependence (F10.-)
  • exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (Z77.22)
  • exposure to tobacco smoke in the perinatal period (P96.81)
  • history of tobacco dependence (Z87.891)
  • occupational exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (Z57.31)
  • tobacco dependence (F17.-)
  • tobacco use (Z72.0)

Excludes1

Conditions that should not be reported together with this code.

No Excludes1 note is listed for C09.

Excludes2

Conditions not included here that may be reported separately when present.

  • malignant neoplasm of lingual tonsil (C02.4)
  • malignant neoplasm of pharyngeal tonsil (C11.1)

Source and release

Data release
U.S. ICD-10-CM · FY 2027
Effective date
Oct 1, 2026

This reference is generated from Vero’s ICD-10-CM description, hierarchy, and code-note dataset. The visible content and structured data share that source.

Review the CDC/NCHS ICD-10-CM source

Frequently asked questions

What does ICD-10-CM code C09 mean?

C09 is the FY 2027 U.S. ICD-10-CM code for “Malignant neoplasm of tonsil.”

Is C09 a billable or specific ICD-10-CM code?

No. C09 has more specific child codes in the FY 2027 reference data. Select the code that matches the documentation and confirm the active code set and payer requirements.

Where is C09 located in ICD-10-CM?

C09 is listed in Chapter 2, Neoplasms (C00-D49), within Malignant neoplasms of lip, oral cavity and pharynx (C00-C14) (C00–C14), under category C09, Malignant neoplasm of tonsil.

What coding notes are listed for C09?

No inclusion terms are listed for C09 in this reference record. No code-first instruction is listed. Additional-code instructions: code to identify:; alcohol abuse and dependence (F10.-); exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (Z77.22); exposure to tobacco smoke in the perinatal period (P96.81); history of tobacco dependence (Z87.891); occupational exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (Z57.31); tobacco dependence (F17.-); tobacco use (Z72.0). No Excludes1 note is listed. Excludes2 notes: malignant neoplasm of lingual tonsil (C02.4); malignant neoplasm of pharyngeal tonsil (C11.1).