C72.1 (Malignant neoplasm of cauda equina) compared with D33.4 (Benign neoplasm of spinal cord), from the official CMS tabular data. C72.1 and D33.4 name the same anatomical site (cauda equina) with a different neoplasm behavior. MedCoder-derived
Same anatomical site, different neoplasm behavior.
Same site — benign neoplasm (cauda equina)
The behavior documented for the site — malignant primary, secondary, carcinoma in situ, benign, uncertain or unspecified — decides which column of the neoplasm table, and therefore which code, applies.
Source: CMS Table of Neoplasms
Same site, different neoplasm behavior. C72.1 and D33.4 name the same anatomical site (cauda equina) with a different neoplasm behavior.
From the CMS/CDC Table of Neoplasms: the behavior documented for that site — malignant primary, secondary, carcinoma in situ, benign, uncertain or unspecified — decides which column, and therefore which code, applies.
| C72.1Malignant neoplasm of cauda equina | D33.4Benign neoplasm of spinal cord | |
|---|---|---|
| Billing status | Billable | Billable |
| Classification | C00-D49 — Neoplasms (C00-D49) | C00-D49 — Neoplasms (C00-D49) |
| Definition | Malignant neoplasm of cauda equina is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code (C72.1). | Benign neoplasm of spinal cord is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code (D33.4). |
Derived from the official CMS ICD-10-CM tabular data (FY2026). Not billing advice; verify sequencing rules for the encounter. All data sources