ICD-10 Code C72.5 – Malignant neoplasm of other and unspecified cranial nerves (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C72.5 – Malignant neoplasm of other and unspecified cranial nerves
What it is
This code identifies a malignant tumor arising in a cranial nerve other than the specifically named nerves. Use it when documentation states cancer of an other or unspecified cranial nerve.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Patients may have cranial nerve deficits such as facial weakness, numbness, pain, diplopia, or swallowing problems, depending on the affected nerve.
When to use this code
Use C72.5 when the provider documents a malignant neoplasm involving a cranial nerve and does not identify a more specific cranial nerve code. It also fits cases described as other or unspecified cranial nerve cancer. Verify the site and laterality details if they are present in the record.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for benign cranial nerve tumors, metastatic disease to a cranial nerve, or malignancies with a more specific nerve code. Check documentation.
Coding tip
Always code the most specific cranial nerve site documented; if the nerve is named, use the corresponding specific code instead of C72.5.