ICD-10 Code C72.32 – Malignant neoplasm of left optic nerve (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C72.32 – Malignant neoplasm of left optic nerve
What it is
C72.32 identifies a malignant tumor arising in the left optic nerve. Use it when documentation specifies cancer of that nerve, not a nonspecific eye or orbital mass.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly recorded findings include progressive visual loss, visual field defects, optic disc changes, or imaging evidence of a left optic nerve malignancy.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents a malignant neoplasm of the left optic nerve, including confirmed primary or specified involvement of that structure. It also fits when pathology, imaging, or specialist notes clearly localize the cancer to the left optic nerve. Check documentation if laterality or site is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use it for benign optic nerve lesions, nonspecific visual complaints, or tumors documented only as orbital, retinal, or intracranial without optic nerve involvement. Check documentation for the exact site.
Coding tip
Always confirm laterality and anatomic site in the record before assigning C72.32.