ICD-10 Code C41.2 – Malignant neoplasm of vertebral column (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C41.2 – Malignant neoplasm of vertebral column
What it is
C41.2 identifies a malignant tumor arising in the vertebral column. Use it for cancer documented as involving the spine’s bony vertebrae, not the spinal cord or nearby soft tissues.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly recorded findings include back pain, localized tenderness, pathologic fracture, or imaging evidence of a destructive vertebral lesion.
When to use this code
Use C41.2 when the provider documents primary malignant neoplasm of a vertebra or vertebral column. It also fits confirmed malignant involvement of the vertebral bones when the site is specified as the column. If the record is unclear about primary site or origin, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for metastatic disease to the spine unless the vertebral column is documented as the primary site. It is also not for spinal cord, meninges, or nonspecific back pain.
Coding tip
Confirm the exact anatomic site in the pathology, imaging, or operative note before assigning C41.2.