ICD-10 Code C70.1 – Malignant neoplasm of spinal meninges (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C70.1 – Malignant neoplasm of spinal meninges
What it is
This code identifies a malignant tumor arising in the meninges covering the spinal cord. Use it when documentation specifies a cancer of the spinal meninges, not a brain or vertebral lesion.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Patients may present with spinal pain, neurologic deficits, or symptoms from cord or nerve root compression, but the diagnosis must be supported by documented malignant spinal meningeal involvement.
When to use this code
Use C70.1 when the provider documents primary malignant neoplasm of the spinal meninges, including pathology or imaging-confirmed cases. Code it for encounters focused on the malignancy itself, staging, or related evaluation. If the record only says “meningeal tumor,” check documentation for the exact site and behavior.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for benign meningeal tumors, metastatic disease to the spine, or unspecified central nervous system neoplasms. If the site is cranial rather than spinal, choose the appropriate code instead.
Coding tip
Confirm both malignancy and spinal meningeal site in the note before assigning C70.1.