Benign neoplasm of cranial nerves

This code signifies the presence of a non-cancerous tumor originating from one of the twelve pairs of cranial nerves. These benign growths, while not metastatic, can still cause significant neurological symptoms due to compression or disruption of nerve function. Examples include schwannomas or neurofibromas affecting nerves like the trigeminal or vestibulocochlear.

Apply this code when documentation clearly identifies a benign neoplasm affecting any cranial nerve. This diagnosis is typically supported by imaging studies (e.g., MRI, CT) demonstrating a well-circumscribed, non-invasive mass, often accompanied by neurological examination findings consistent with cranial nerve dysfunction.

• Specify the exact cranial nerve involved if documented, using a more precise code if available (e.g., D33.0 for brain, unspecified).
• Do not use this code for malignant cranial nerve tumors; refer to the C72.- series for those.
• Ensure the pathology report or imaging interpretation explicitly states "benign" to support this diagnosis.