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Malignant neoplasm of upper lobe, right bronchus or lung
ICD10CM code
Name of the Condition
- Malignant neoplasm of upper lobe, right bronchus or lung
- Also known as lung cancer affecting the upper lobe of the right lung.
Summary
- Malignant neoplasm of the upper lobe, right bronchus or lung is a type of lung cancer that originates in the upper section of the right lung. It involves the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells, which can invade and damage surrounding tissue and spread to other parts of the body.
Causes
- The exact cause is often multifactorial, but known causes include:
- Smoking and exposure to tobacco smoke.
- Exposure to radon gas, asbestos, and other environmental pollutants.
- Genetic mutations and family history of lung cancer.
- Past radiation therapy to the chest.
Risk Factors
- Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke.
- Advancing age (most cases occur in people 65 or older).
- Exposure to carcinogens such as asbestos and radon.
- Personal or family history of lung cancer or related conditions.
Symptoms
- Persistent cough or changes in a chronic cough.
- Shortness of breath and wheezing.
- Chest pain that worsens with deep breathing.
- Coughing up blood or rust-colored sputum.
- Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite.
- Fatigue and weakness.
Diagnosis
- Imaging tests such as chest X-ray, CT scan, or MRI.
- Biopsy of lung tissue to examine for cancerous cells.
- Bronchoscopy to view the airways and obtain samples.
- PET scans to check for cancer spread.
Treatment Options
- Surgery: Removing cancerous tissue, often involves lobectomy.
- Radiation therapy: Targets cancer cells with high-energy rays.
- Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
- Targeted therapy: Focuses on specific characteristics of cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: Boosts the immune system to fight cancer.
Prognosis and Follow-Up
- Prognosis depends on stage at diagnosis, overall health, and response to treatment.
- Regular follow-ups are critical for monitoring recurrence and managing side effects of treatment.
Complications
- Metastasis to other organs such as the brain or bones.
- Respiratory failure due to decreasing lung function.
- Fluid accumulation around the lungs (pleural effusion).
Lifestyle & Prevention
- Quitting smoking and avoiding tobacco exposure.
- Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet.
- Reducing exposure to known carcinogens (e.g., radon, asbestos).
When to Seek Professional Help
- If experiencing persistent or worsening symptoms as mentioned above.
- Sudden weight loss or persistent breathing difficulties require prompt medical evaluation.
Additional Resources
Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure the correct lateral and anatomical location: "upper lobe" and "right bronchus or lung."
- Confirm that C34.11, not similar codes for other locations, is used to prevent errors.
- Cross-check patient records for accuracy in consistent documentation of this specific type of lung cancer.