ICD-10 Code D35.3 – Benign neoplasm of craniopharyngeal duct (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code D35.3 – Benign neoplasm of craniopharyngeal duct
What it is
D35.3 identifies a benign tumor arising from remnants of the craniopharyngeal duct, most often in the sellar or suprasellar region. It is nonmalignant, but it can still cause local mass effects.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly reported findings include headache, visual disturbance, and endocrine abnormalities when the lesion compresses nearby structures.
When to use this code
Use D35.3 when the provider documents a benign neoplasm of the craniopharyngeal duct or a craniopharyngioma described as benign. Code it from imaging, pathology, or operative documentation when the diagnosis is confirmed. If the record only says “sellar mass” or “brain tumor,” check documentation before assigning this code.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for malignant neoplasms, metastatic disease, or unspecified intracranial masses. If the documentation does not clearly identify a benign craniopharyngeal duct tumor, check documentation.
Coding tip
Confirm the exact anatomic and pathologic wording in the record before coding, because “craniopharyngioma” and “sellar mass” are not always interchangeable.