C79.49

HCC Category Mapping

What This Code Means

Cancer that has spread to other parts of the nervous system not specified elsewhere, such as the spinal cord or peripheral nerves.

Coding Tips

• •This is a catch-all code for secondary nervous system malignancies not captured by C79.31 (brain) or C79.32 (meninges); document the specific site when possible
• •Ensure the primary cancer site is coded separately and that more specific nervous system sites have been ruled out

Clinical Significance

Secondary malignant neoplasm of other parts of the nervous system captures metastatic disease to nervous system structures beyond the brain and cerebral meninges, including the spinal cord, spinal meninges, cranial nerves, and peripheral nerves. Spinal cord metastases can cause devastating neurological complications including paralysis and require urgent treatment.

Documentation Requirements

• ✓Primary cancer site documented and coded separately
• ✓Specific identification of the nervous system structure — spinal cord, spinal meninges, cranial nerves, peripheral nerves
• ✓MRI of the spine or affected region confirming metastatic disease
• ✓Neurological assessment — motor function, sensation, bowel/bladder function
• ✓Urgency of intervention — spinal cord compression is a medical emergency

Commonly Confused Codes