C72.32
BillableMalignant neoplasm of left optic nerve
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
A malignant (cancerous) tumor of the left optic nerve, which is the nerve that carries visual information from the left eye to the brain.
Coding Tips
- •This code specifies the left side; use C72.31 for right side and verify laterality in documentation
- •Optic nerve tumors may present with vision loss; ensure proper documentation of affected side
Clinical Significance
Malignant neoplasm of the left optic nerve specifies cancer of cranial nerve II on the left side. This carries the same clinical gravity as right-sided disease, with potential for vision loss and intracranial extension. Left-sided specification is critical for radiation planning to protect the contralateral eye and optic apparatus.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Pathology or definitive imaging confirming malignancy of the left optic nerve
- ✓Histological type from pathology report
- ✓Visual function assessment of the left eye
- ✓Imaging documenting tumor extent and relationship to optic chiasm
- ✓Treatment status and management plan
Commonly Confused Codes
C72.31 — Malignant neoplasm of right optic nerve: Laterality reversal; confirm left sideC72.30 — Malignant neoplasm of unspecified optic nerve: Use C72.32 when left side is documentedC69.62 — Malignant neoplasm of left orbit: Orbital tumor, not specific to optic nerveH47.012 — Optic neuritis, left eye: Inflammatory, not neoplastic
Code Hierarchy
└C72Malignant neoplasm of spinal cord, cranial nerves and other parts of central nervous system└C72.3Malignant neoplasm of optic nerve└C72.32Malignant neoplasm of left optic nerve
└C72.32Malignant neoplasm of left optic nerve