C38.4: Malignant neoplasm: Pleura

The tissue in the body is made up of cells. With cancer, the cells multiply uncontrollably, which leads to a malignant neoplasm (abnormal growth of tissue) developing. The cancer cells can destroy the healthy tissue and spread throughout the body.

The lungs are surrounded by a smooth membrane. A smooth membrane like this is also located inside the ribs. Both membranes cling to each other via a small amount of fluid. Through the suction of the fluid between the membranes, the lungs follow the movements of the chest while breathing. The lungs then alternately expand and contract. Air for breathing flows into the lungs and out again during these movements.

Not every cancer is the same. There are cancers that develop quickly. You may then quickly feel seriously ill. But there are also cancers that progress slowly. You may then feel generally unwell or weak, or even have no symptoms at all to start with. If the cancer is very large, then the cancerous tissue can press on the organs in the chest. This can affect the lungs, gullet, windpipe or heart.

Please note: This ICD code may also derive from the ICD-O system. If this is the case, there are usually additional letters and numbers in addition to the code. It starts with the letter M, followed by 4 digits and then a slash. There is another digit after the slash.

If it is an ICD-O code, then this does not describe a malignant cancer in all cases. The last digit after the slash gives you more detailed information about this: