2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C72.30Malignant neoplasm of unspecified optic nerve

ICD-10-CM Codes›C00–D49›C69-C72›C72

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

C72.30 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for malignant neoplasm of unspecified optic nerve. 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
C72.30
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Malignant neoplasm of unspecified optic nerve
Short Description
Malignant neoplasm of unspecified optic nerve
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
C72.3
Malignant neoplasm of optic nerve

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 CodeC72.30Malignant neoplasm of unspecified optic nerve

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Malignant astrocytoma of optic nerve
  • Malignant neoplasm of optic nerve
  • Malignant neoplasm of optic nerve and sheath
  • Malignant neoplasm of optic nerve sheath
  • Malignant optic glioma
  • Malignant optic glioma of adulthood
  • Optic nerve glioma
  • Primary malignant astrocytoma of optic nerve
  • Primary malignant ependymoma of optic nerve
  • Primary malignant neoplasm of optic nerve
  • Primary malignant optic glioma
  • Primary malignant optic glioma of adulthood

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

  • Optic Nerve Glioma

    glial cell derived tumors arising from the optic nerve, usually presenting in childhood.

Table of NeoplasmsClinical

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

SiteMalig.
Primary		Malig.
Secondary		Ca
in situ		BenignUncertainUnspec.
chiasma opticumC72.3C79.49–D33.3D43.3D49.7
nerve (ganglion) › opticC72.3C79.49–D33.3D43.3D49.7
optic nerve, chiasm, or tractC72.3C79.49–D33.3D43.3D49.7

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 C72.30 to ICD-9-CMHistory

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

ICD-9-CM
192.0 Mal neo cranial nerves
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 C72.30Overview

Is C72.30 (Malignant neoplasm of optic nerve) a billable code?

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

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of C72.30?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, malignant neoplasm of unspecified optic nerve converts to ICD-9-CM 192.0 (mal neo cranial nerves). 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.