ICD-10 Code C70.0 – Malignant neoplasm of cerebral meninges (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C70.0 – Malignant neoplasm of cerebral meninges
What it is
This code identifies a malignant tumor arising in the cerebral meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain. Use it when documentation specifies a cancer of the meninges over the cerebrum.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Patients may have neurological signs related to mass effect or meningeal involvement, and imaging or pathology may confirm the diagnosis.
When to use this code
Use C70.0 when the provider documents malignant neoplasm of the cerebral meninges or a primary cancer of the meninges over the brain. Apply it for confirmed diagnoses, biopsy results, or specialist assessments that clearly identify this site. Check documentation if the record only says “meningeal tumor” without location or malignancy.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for benign meningioma, metastatic disease to the meninges, or tumors of other meningeal sites. If the anatomic site or malignant nature is unclear, check documentation.
Coding tip
Match the code to the exact meningeal site and confirm the record states malignant, not benign or metastatic.