Benign neoplasm of spinal cord

This code signifies the presence of a non-cancerous tumor originating within the spinal cord itself. These benign growths do not spread to other parts of the body but can cause neurological symptoms due to compression of spinal cord tissue or nerves.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a benign neoplasm intrinsic to the spinal cord, confirmed by imaging (e.g., MRI) and/or biopsy. This is appropriate for conditions like ependymomas, astrocytomas, or schwannomas that are explicitly stated as benign and located within the spinal cord.

• Distinguish carefully between benign neoplasms of the spinal cord (intrinsic) and those of the meninges or vertebral column (extrinsic).
• Ensure the pathology report or physician documentation explicitly states "benign" for the spinal cord tumor.
• Do not use this code for malignant spinal cord neoplasms; refer to the C70-C72 range for those.