ICD 10 CM C31.8 | Description & Clinical Information
ICD 10 C31.8 describes a type of cancerous growth in the paranasal sinuses, which are the accessory sinuses located around the nose, that can quickly spread to nearby tissues, blood vessels, or lymphatic vessels and is commonly found in individuals who have been exposed to dust and chemicals in the workplace, are chronic smokers, or have a history of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and this code is used when the provider documents a malignant neoplasm of two or more adjacent sites in the paranasal sinuses.
Official Description Of C31.8
The ICD 10 CM book defines ICD 10 code C31.8 as:
When To Use C31.8
The diagnosis described by the ICD-10-CM code C31.8 pertains to a type of cancer that develops in the paranasal sinuses, a group of four paired air-filled spaces found in the facial bones surrounding and opening to the nasal cavity. These sinuses include the frontal sinuses, located above the eyes’ orbits in the forehead’s frontal bone; the maxillary sinuses, large sinuses positioned on either side of the nose, situated below the eyes and above the teeth; the ethmoid sinuses adjacent to the bridge of the nose; and the sphenoid sinuses located in the sphenoid bone’s body in the skull’s depths. Through an ostium, these sinuses communicate with the nasal cavity and drain mucus from the back of the nose.
Patients with a malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of the paranasal sinuses may experience a combination of clinical manifestations, including recurrent headache, dental pain, congestion or runny nose, watery eyes, ear pain, reduced sense of smell, pain, and swelling in the face, eyes or ears, and a nodular mass in the mouth or nose. The condition is diagnosed based on a thorough examination of the patient’s medical history, physical examination, and the symptoms experienced by the patient. Diagnostic tests such as an X-ray, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the head and neck, nasal endoscopy, and nodular mass biopsy may be conducted to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
The treatment of malignant neoplasms of the paranasal sinuses applies a multidisciplinary approach, depending on the stage and location of the neoplasm. Surgical management is the primary treatment option for resectable neoplasms, which involves the removal of the tumor through surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. For advanced and metastatic neoplasms, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are used to control the symptoms, such as pain, and to improve the patient’s quality of life.
It is essential to note that adequate treatment of the malignant neoplasm of the overlapping sites of the paranasal sinuses requires a close collaboration of physicians from different medical fields. A team that consists of an otolaryngologist, radiation oncologist, surgical oncologist, and medical oncologist must evaluate the patient and provide the combination of treatments that would provide effective relief from symptoms while improving the patient’s quality of life. Furthermore, an early diagnosis of this condition is essential to improve the chances of effective treatment and improve the prognosis of the patient. Regular medical examinations, especially for those with a family history of cancer, can help detect and prevent the development of malignant conditions.
