ICD 10 CM C64 | Description & Clinical Information

ICD 10 C64 describes a type of cancer that affects the cells of the kidney, excluding the renal pelvis, which is responsible for collecting and draining urine into the ureter and bladder, and the most prevalent forms of this cancer include renal cell carcinoma in adults and Wilms tumor in children, with risk factors including smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, long-term dialysis, family history, and genetic factors.

Official Description Of C64

The ICD 10 CM book defines ICD 10 code C64 as:

When To Use C64

The diagnosis describes by the ICD 10 CM code C64 indicates malignant neoplasm of the kidney. This type of cancer is known to be asymptomatic in its early stages, and often discovered accidentally during routine medical check-ups or screenings for other conditions. This is why it is essential to undergo regular health check-ups to detect any potential abnormalities and prevent the progression of the disease.

As the cancer progresses, the patient may develop various symptoms, including constant pain in the lower back or sides, blood in urine, weakness, weight loss, anemia, and extreme fatigue. In some cases, a lump or swelling may appear in the side, lower back, or abdomen if the tumor has grown significantly. It’s essential to take into account that these symptoms can be indicative of other medical issues as well, and seeking medical attention is vital to ensure early diagnosis and treatment.

To diagnose malignant neoplasm of the kidney, providers rely on a combination of patient history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. These tests include urinalysis, complete blood count (CBC), and biopsy of the renal tissue. Imaging tests, such as ultrasound, CT, MRI, intravenous pyelogram, and PET scan, also aid in determining the stage and severity of the disease.

Treatment for malignant neoplasm of the kidney depends on the stage and severity of the disease. In resectable cases, the surgical excision of the mass or removal of the kidney (nephrectomy) is typically performed, followed by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy to eradicate any remaining cancer cells. However, newer and innovative therapies like targeted therapy are being used to kill cancer cells without harming healthy cells.

For advanced cases, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are used to alleviate the symptoms and improve the quality of life of the patient. Unfortunately, malignant neoplasm of the kidney is a severe disease that can be fatal if detected too late. In such cases, the prognosis inevitably becomes much worse, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment.

In conclusion, the ICD 10 CM code C64 describes malignant neoplasm of the kidney. This type of cancer is usually asymptomatic in its early stages, and regular health check-ups are critical in detecting it early. Symptoms often only manifest in later stages, but early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the chances of recovery. Seek medical attention if you suspect anything is amiss, and never ignore any concerning signs or symptoms.