ICD-10 Code C72.2 – Malignant neoplasm of olfactory nerve (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C72.2 – Malignant neoplasm of olfactory nerve
What it is
C72.2 identifies a malignant tumor involving the olfactory nerve, the cranial nerve responsible for smell. Use this code when documentation specifically states cancer of the olfactory nerve or a malignant neoplasm arising there.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Reported findings may include loss or reduction of smell, nasal or frontal symptoms, or neurologic signs if the lesion affects nearby structures.
When to use this code
Use C72.2 when the provider documents malignant neoplasm of the olfactory nerve, including primary or site-specific involvement of that nerve. It may also apply when pathology, imaging, or specialist notes clearly identify the olfactory nerve as the tumor site. Check documentation if the record only says intracranial tumor, sinonasal cancer, or skull base mass.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for benign tumors, metastatic disease without olfactory nerve involvement, or nonspecific head and neck masses. If the chart names a different cranial nerve or an adjacent sinus site, code that documented diagnosis instead.
Coding tip
Query the provider when the nerve of origin is unclear, because precise site documentation determines whether C72.2 is appropriate.