ICD-10 Code C72.59 – Malignant neoplasm of other cranial nerves (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C72.59 – Malignant neoplasm of other cranial nerves
What it is
This code identifies a malignant tumor arising in a cranial nerve other than the optic or acoustic nerve. Use it when the record documents cancer involving one of the other cranial nerves.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common findings may include cranial nerve dysfunction such as facial weakness, sensory loss, pain, or swallowing difficulty, depending on the nerve involved.
When to use this code
Use C72.59 when the provider documents a primary malignant neoplasm of a specified cranial nerve that is not optic or acoustic. It also fits when the chart names a cranial nerve tumor but does not support a more specific site code. Check documentation for laterality, exact nerve, and whether the lesion is primary or metastatic.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for malignant neoplasms of the optic nerve or acoustic nerve, which have separate codes. Also avoid it if the record describes a benign, metastatic, or unspecified brain tumor instead.
Coding tip
Confirm the exact cranial nerve and tumor type in the pathology or imaging report before assigning C72.59.