C72.1 Malignant neoplasm of cauda equina

Billable ICD-10-CM code, FY2026. Acts as a Complication or Comorbidity (CC) as a secondary diagnosis.

Applies from C72 Malignant neoplasm of spinal cord, cranial nerves and other parts of central nervous system

Excludes1 (never code together)

• malignant neoplasm of meninges (C70.-)
• malignant neoplasm of peripheral nerves and autonomic nervous system (C47.-)

Risk adjustment (HCC)

• CMS-HCC V28: HCC 20 — Lung and Other Severe Cancers
• CMS-HCC V22: HCC 10 — Lymphoma and Other Cancers
• RxHCC V08: HCC 22 — Prostate, Breast, Bladder, and Other Cancers and Tumors
• ESRD V24: HCC 10

MS-DRG index

Defines the logic of DRG(s) 054-055 in MDC 01.

Approximate ICD-9-CM (GEMs)

• 192.2 Malignant neoplasm of spinal cord (approximate)

Nearby codes

• C72 Malignant neoplasm of spinal cord, cranial nerves and other parts of central nervous system
• C72.0 Malignant neoplasm of spinal cord
• C72.1 Malignant neoplasm of cauda equina (this code)
• C72.2 Malignant neoplasm of olfactory nerve
• C72.20 Malignant neoplasm of unspecified olfactory nerve
• C72.21 Malignant neoplasm of right olfactory nerve
• C72.22 Malignant neoplasm of left olfactory nerve
• C72.3 Malignant neoplasm of optic nerve