ICD-10 Code C72.21 – Malignant neoplasm of right olfactory nerve (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C72.21 – Malignant neoplasm of right olfactory nerve
What it is
C72.21 identifies a malignant tumor involving the right olfactory nerve. Use this code when documentation specifies cancer of that nerve on the right side.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Olfactory nerve tumors may present with reduced smell, nasal symptoms, or imaging findings involving the right olfactory pathway.
When to use this code
Use C72.21 when the provider documents a primary or malignant neoplasm of the right olfactory nerve. It may appear in oncology, neurology, or ENT records when laterality is clearly stated. If the record only says “olfactory nerve malignancy” without side, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for benign tumors, metastases to the olfactory nerve, or nonspecific intracranial neoplasms. If the diagnosis is uncertain, check documentation.
Coding tip
Verify both malignancy and right-sided laterality before assigning C72.21.