2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C72.0Malignant neoplasm of spinal cord

ICD-10-CM Codes›C00–D49›C69-C72›C72

ICD-10-CM C72.0
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

C72.0 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for malignant neoplasm of spinal cord. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026). In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Nervous system cancers - all other types.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
C72.0
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Malignant neoplasm of spinal cord
Short Description
Malignant neoplasm of spinal cord
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
C72
Malignant neoplasm of spinal cord, cranial nerves and other parts of central nervous system

Code Classification

ChapterC00–D49Neoplasms
SectionC69-C72Malignant neoplasms of eye, brain and other parts of central nervous system
CategoryC72Malignant neoplasm of spinal cord, cranial nerves and other parts of central nervous system
This CodeC72.0Malignant neoplasm of spinal cord

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Anaplastic astrocytoma of central nervous system
  • Anaplastic astrocytoma of spinal cord
  • Astrocytoma of spinal cord
  • Carcinoma of spinal cord
  • Ependymoma of spinal cord
  • Glial tumor of spinal cord
  • Glioblastoma multiforme of spinal cord
  • Glioma of spinal cord
  • Gliosarcoma of central nervous system
  • Gliosarcoma of spinal cord
  • Malignant glioma of spinal cord
  • Malignant neoplasm of spinal cord
  • Malignant neoplasm of spinal cord, extramedullary
  • Malignant neoplasm of spinal cord, intramedullary
  • Mixed glial tumor of spinal cord
  • Neoplasm of extradural space
  • Oligodendroglioma of spinal cord
  • Primary anaplastic astrocytoma of central nervous system
  • Primary anaplastic astrocytoma of spinal cord
  • Primary astrocytoma of spinal cord
  • Primary extramedullary malignant tumor of spinal cord
  • Primary glioblastoma multiforme of spinal cord
  • Primary gliosarcoma of central nervous system
  • Primary gliosarcoma of spinal cord
  • Primary malignant glioma of spinal cord
  • Primary malignant neoplasm of extradural spinal cord
  • Primary malignant neoplasm of intramedullary spinal cord
  • Primary malignant neoplasm of spinal cord
  • Primary oligodendroglioma
  • Primary oligodendroglioma of spinal cord

Clinical ClassificationClinical

AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.

CCSR NEO049
Nervous system cancers - all other types
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

Table of NeoplasmsClinical

Anatomical sites in the Table of Neoplasms that reference this code family.

SiteMalig.
Primary		Malig.
Secondary		Ca
in situ		BenignUncertainUnspec.
conus medullarisC72.0C79.49–D33.4D43.4D49.7
cord (true) (vocal) › spinal (cervical) (lumbar) (thoracic)C72.0C79.49–D33.4D43.4D49.7
filum terminaleC72.0C79.49–D33.4D43.4D49.7
motor tract › spinalC72.0C79.49–D33.4D43.4D49.7
spine, spinal (column) › cord (cervical) (lumbar) (sacral) (thoracic)C72.0C79.49–D33.4D43.4D49.7

Patient EducationClinical

Cancer

Cancer is not just one disease but many diseases. Cancer begins in your cells, which are the building blocks of your body. Usually, your body forms new cells as needed, replacing old cells that die. Sometimes this process goes wrong. New cells grow even when you don't need them, and old cells don't die when they should.

The full article covers:

  • What is cancer?
  • What are the types of cancer?
  • How does cancer develop?
  • What are the symptoms of cancer?
  • How is cancer diagnosed?
  • What are the treatments for cancer?
  • Can cancer be prevented?

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Convert C72.0 to ICD-9-CMHistory

The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.

ICD-9-CM
192.2 Mal neo spinal cord
Approximate The match is approximate rather than exact.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About C72.0Overview

Is C72.0 a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report malignant neoplasm of spinal cord on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of C72.0?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, malignant neoplasm of spinal cord converts to ICD-9-CM 192.2 (mal neo spinal cord). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.

Footnotes

[1] Chronic - a chronic condition code indicates a condition lasting 12 months or longer and its effect on the patient based on one or both of the following criteria:

  • The condition results in the need for ongoing intervention with medical products,treatment, services, and special equipment
  • The condition places limitations on self-care, independent living, and social interactions.