2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C72.1Malignant neoplasm of cauda equina

ICD-10-CM Codes›C00–D49›C69-C72›C72

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

C72.1 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for malignant neoplasm of cauda equina. 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
C72.1
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Malignant neoplasm of cauda equina
Short Description
Malignant neoplasm of cauda equina
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 CodeC72.1Malignant neoplasm of cauda equina

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Malignant neoplasm of cauda equina
  • Neoplasm of cauda equina
  • Primary malignant neoplasm of cauda equina
  • Primary malignant neoplasm of peripheral nerves of trunk

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

Clinical InformationClinical

  • Cauda Equina

    the lower part of the spinal cord consisting of the lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal nerve roots.

  • Cauda Equina Syndrome

    compressive lesion affecting the nerve roots of the cauda equina (e.g., compression, herniation, inflammation, rupture, or stenosis), which controls the function of the bladder and bowel. symptoms may include neurological dysfunction of bladder or bowels, loss of sexual sensation and altered sensation or paralysis in the lower extremities.

Table of NeoplasmsClinical

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

SiteMalig.
Primary		Malig.
Secondary		Ca
in situ		BenignUncertainUnspec.
cauda equinaC72.1C79.49–D33.4D43.4D49.7
motor tract › cauda equinaC72.1C79.49–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 C72.1 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 C72.1Overview

Is C72.1 a billable code?

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

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of C72.1?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, malignant neoplasm of cauda equina 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.