ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code

C72.3Malignant neoplasm of optic nerve

Not billable — use a more specific code

C72.3 is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself. Choose one of the 3 more specific codes beneath it.

Code unchanged since ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. Source: official FY2027 ICD-10-CM release from CDC/NCHS and CMS. Page updated September 29, 2026. About our data

About C72.3

C72.3 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for malignant neoplasm of optic nerve. It belongs to category C72 (malignant neoplasm of spinal cord, cranial nerves and other parts of central nervous system), block C69-C72 (malignant neoplasms of eye, brain and other parts of central nervous system) and chapter 2 (neoplasms). It is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself; one of its 3 subcodes must be used instead.

Within C72 (malignant neoplasm of spinal cord, cranial nerves and other parts of central nervous system), C72.3 is specifically for malignant neoplasm of optic nerve. Related codes cover spinal cord (C72.0), cauda equina (C72.1), olfactory nerve (C72.2), acoustic nerve (C72.4), other and unspecified cranial nerves (C72.5) and central nervous system, unspecified (C72.9).

To report this condition, pick the subcode that matches the documentation: C72.30 (nerve), C72.31 (nerve) and C72.32 (nerve).

It has been part of ICD-10-CM since the code set took effect on October 1, 2015 and hasn't changed since.

Specific codes under C72.3

Notes that apply from higher levels

Instructions written at a parent level also apply to C72.3.

› From C72 Malignant neoplasm of spinal cord, cranial nerves and other parts of central nervous system

Excludes1

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

Broader instructions also apply from Chapter 2: Neoplasms.

Table of Drugs & Neoplasms entries

Neoplasm, neoplastic › chiasma opticum — Malignant Primary
Neoplasm, neoplastic › nerve (ganglion) › optic — Malignant Primary
Neoplasm, neoplastic › optic nerve, chiasm, or tract — Malignant Primary

Codes whose notes reference C72.3

C69Excludes1

Code history

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2026
2027

FY2016 (effective 10/1/2015): Added (first year of ICD-10-CM)
No changes since FY2016.

Common questions about C72.3

Is C72.3 billable?: No. C72.3 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.