C71.2
BillableMalignant neoplasm of temporal lobe
HCC Category Mapping
V28HCC 20 — Lung and Other Severe Cancers
0.000V24HCC 10 — Lymphoma and Other Cancers
0.675ESRDHCC 10 — Lymphoma and Other Cancers
0.000RxHCCHCC 22 — Cancer, Other Specified Sites
0.000What This Code Means
Cancer that develops in the temporal lobe of the brain, which controls hearing, memory, and language. This is a malignant brain tumor in the side part of the cerebrum.
Coding Tips
- •Ensure documentation clearly indicates temporal lobe involvement to distinguish from other brain locations
- •Document any associated symptoms like seizures or language difficulties, as these are common with temporal lobe tumors
Clinical Significance
Temporal lobe malignancy affects the brain region responsible for auditory processing, memory formation, and receptive language (Wernicke's area on the dominant side). Temporal lobe tumors frequently present with seizures — up to 80% of patients with temporal lobe gliomas experience epilepsy — making seizure history a key documentation element.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Pathology confirming primary malignancy with histological type and grade
- ✓MRI documenting temporal lobe location and laterality
- ✓Seizure history and current anticonvulsant management
- ✓Assessment of language function (especially if dominant hemisphere)
- ✓Molecular markers and treatment plan
Commonly Confused Codes
C71.1 — Frontal lobe: verify specific lobe from imaging; frontotemporal tumors may need overlapping codeC71.3 — Parietal lobe: temporoparietal junction tumors require careful localizationC71.0 — Cerebrum, unspecified lobe: use C71.2 when temporal lobe is documentedC79.31 — Brain metastasis: distinguish primary temporal lobe cancer from metastatic disease
Code Hierarchy
└C71Malignant neoplasm of brain└C71.2Malignant neoplasm of temporal lobe
└C71.2Malignant neoplasm of temporal lobe