ICD-10 Code C71.2 – Malignant neoplasm of temporal lobe (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C71.2 – Malignant neoplasm of temporal lobe
What it is
C71.2 identifies a malignant tumor arising in the temporal lobe of the brain. Use it when documentation specifies a primary cancer in that anatomic site.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Temporal lobe tumors may be associated with seizures, language disturbance, memory problems, or focal neurologic deficits, depending on size and location.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents a malignant neoplasm of the temporal lobe, including a primary brain tumor in that region. It also fits when imaging or pathology clearly localizes the malignancy to the temporal lobe and the record supports that diagnosis. Check documentation if the site is uncertain.
Do not use for
Do not use C71.2 for metastatic brain disease unless the temporal lobe is documented as the site of a secondary tumor. Do not code it for benign neoplasms, cysts, or nonspecific brain masses.
Coding tip
Confirm whether the tumor is primary or secondary and whether the temporal lobe is explicitly named in the record before assigning C71.2.