C79.32 Secondary malignant neoplasm of cerebral meninges

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- **Secondary Malignant Neoplasm of Cerebral Meninges** (ICD Code: C79.32)
- Also known as metastatic meningeal cancer.

#### Summary
- This condition refers to cancer that has spread to the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, from another part of the body.

#### Causes
- Typically results from primary cancers located elsewhere in the body, such as lung, breast, or melanoma, that metastasize to the brain's meninges.

#### Risk Factors
- Presence of a primary cancer with a high likelihood of metastasis.
- Advanced stage cancer with systemic dissemination.
- Certain aggressive cancers like melanoma increase risk.

#### Symptoms
- Headaches
- Neurological deficits like vision or balance problems
- Seizures
- Changes in mental status or cognition

#### Diagnosis
- MRI or CT scans to identify lesions on the meninges.
- Lumbar puncture for cerebrospinal fluid analysis.
- Biopsy in some cases to confirm malignancy.

#### Treatment Options
- **Radiation Therapy:** Targets cancerous cells to reduce size and symptoms.
- **Chemotherapy:** Systemic or intrathecal to halt cancer spread.
- **Surgery:** In rare instances, to remove accessible meningeal tumors.
- **Supportive care:** To manage symptoms effectively.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- Prognosis can vary depending on the primary cancer type and overall health.
- Regular follow-ups are crucial to monitor tumor progression and response to treatment.

#### Complications
- Progressive neurological decline.
- Increased intracranial pressure leading to severe complications if untreated.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- While preventing metastasis can be challenging, managing the primary cancer aggressively may help reduce risk.
- Healthy lifestyle choices like a balanced diet and regular exercise may contribute to overall cancer management.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Seek medical advice if experiencing persistent headaches, neurological changes, or symptoms indicative of increased intracranial pressure.

#### Additional Resources
- American Cancer Society
- National Brain Tumor Society
- Cancer support groups and forums

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure the primary malignancy is also coded when documenting secondary meningeal neoplasm.
- Double-check for differentiating primary meningeal neoplasms (e.g., meningioma) from secondary.

- **Common coding errors to avoid:**
  - Failing to specify the primary site of cancer.
  - Confusing primary CNS neoplasms with metastatic involvement.

Medical Policies and Guidelines for Secondary malignant neoplasm of cerebral meninges

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