ICD-10 Code C71.7 – Malignant neoplasm of brain stem (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C71.7 – Malignant neoplasm of brain stem
What it is
C71.7 identifies a malignant tumor arising in the brain stem, the area that connects the brain to the spinal cord. Use it when the documentation states a primary cancer of the brain stem.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly reported findings include cranial nerve deficits, weakness, gait problems, or other neurologic symptoms consistent with a brain stem mass.
When to use this code
Use C71.7 when the provider documents a malignant neoplasm of the brain stem as the confirmed diagnosis. It is appropriate for primary brain stem cancer, including cases described by site and behavior in the record. If the note is unclear about primary site, check documentation before assigning the code.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for benign brain tumors, metastatic disease to the brain stem, or unspecified intracranial neoplasms. If the record does not clearly support a malignant brain stem primary, check documentation.
Coding tip
Verify that the provider names the brain stem as the primary site before coding C71.7.