What is the ICD-10 code for breast cancer?

The ICD-10-CM code for breast cancer is C50.919 when documented without further specification. More specific documentation changes the code — see the scenario table.

Yes — C50.919 is a billable ICD-10-CM code, but payers expect the most specific code the documentation supports.

ICD-10 Code for breast cancer

The ICD-10-CM code for breast cancer is C50.919 when documented without further specification. HCC RxHCC Malignant neoplasm of the breast codes in category C50. C50.919 is an unspecified site of an unspecified female breast. Code selection is driven by the specific site within the breast (e.g., nipple/areola C50.0-, central portion C50.1-), the sex (female vs male), and laterality (right, left).

C50.919 is a risk-adjusting diagnosis under CMS-HCC and RxHCC models. Create a free account to see model versions, RAF contribution, and AI-powered HCC suppression analysis.

Create your free account →

Symptom code vs. confirmed diagnosis

C50.919 is a confirmed-diagnosis code assigned from documentation of a breast malignancy, not a screening or symptom code. Documentation of the specific breast site, sex, and laterality moves the coder off the unspecified C50.919.

Which Code Should You Use?

C50.919 ✓ Billable — Malignant neoplasm of unspecified site of unspecified female breast

Malignant neoplasm of breast, unspecified site, unspecified female breast.

C50.011 ✓ Billable — Malignant neoplasm of nipple and areola, right female breast

Malignant neoplasm of nipple and areola, right female breast.

C50.012 ✓ Billable — Malignant neoplasm of nipple and areola, left female breast

Malignant neoplasm of nipple and areola, left female breast.

C50.021 ✓ Billable — Malignant neoplasm of nipple and areola, right male breast

Malignant neoplasm of nipple and areola, right male breast.

What to Document

The specific site within the breast (e.g., nipple/areola C50.0-, central portion C50.1-, or another quadrant).
Sex - female (C50.01-, C50.11-) versus male (C50.02-) breast, which is part of the code.
Laterality - right versus left breast (e.g., C50.011 right female, C50.012 left female).
The histology/morphology as documented by pathology.

Common Documentation Pitfalls

Do not leave breast cancer at the unspecified-site C50.919 when the breast site, sex, and laterality are documented - a specific C50 code applies.
Sex and laterality are built into the C50 codes - confirm both (e.g., right female C50.011 vs right male C50.021).

Coding Notes

C50.919 is malignant neoplasm of an unspecified site of an unspecified female breast. The specific breast site (nipple/areola C50.0-, central portion C50.1-), sex (female vs male), and laterality (right, left) each drive a more specific C50 code, so the unspecified default should be rare when the record is complete.

Prevalence & Statistics

An estimated 321,910 new cases of female breast cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2026, and an estimated 42,140 people will die of the disease. (NCI SEER Cancer Stat Facts: Female Breast Cancer, 2026)