ICD-10 Code D42.0 – Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of cerebral meninges (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code D42.0 – Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of cerebral meninges
What it is
D42.0 identifies a tumor of the cerebral meninges whose behavior is uncertain, meaning the record does not clearly show whether it is benign or malignant. It applies to meninges over the brain, not the spinal meninges.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Patients may have findings related to an intracranial meningeal mass, such as headache, seizures, or focal neurologic signs, but the code itself is based on the documented diagnosis.
When to use this code
Use D42.0 when the provider documents a neoplasm of uncertain behavior involving the cerebral meninges. It is appropriate when pathology, imaging, or operative notes describe the lesion as uncertain behavior, borderline, or not otherwise specified as benign or malignant. Check documentation if the site is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for meningeal tumors documented as malignant or clearly benign. It is also incorrect for neoplasms of the spinal meninges or other intracranial sites unless the cerebral meninges are specifically identified.
Coding tip
Verify both the anatomic site and the behavior term in the record before assigning D42.0.