ICD 10 CM C71.4 | Description & Clinical Information

ICD 10 C71.4 describes a type of cancerous tumor that develops in the occipital lobe, which is located at the back of either hemisphere of the brain, and is characterized by the abnormal growth of cells with an unknown cause, with risk factors including genetic predisposition, exposure to certain chemicals, previous radiation, and old age.

Official Description Of C71.4

The ICD 10 CM book defines ICD 10 code C71.4 as:

When To Use C71.4

The diagnosis describes by the ICD 10 CM C71.4 code refers to an individual who has been diagnosed with a malignant neoplasm or cancer of the parietal lobe. It is a late manifestation of several types of cancers and may cause a range of symptoms that can vary by the location and severity of the malignancy.

Loss of vision is one of the primary symptoms of the disease. Patients may also experience an inability to write and communicate effectively. A patient may complain of increased intracranial pressure that causes typical symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and headache. Additionally, the cancer can cause general weakness, seizures, confusion, changes in mental status, and memory loss, which might affect their day-to-day life activities. In advanced cases, physical disability may also be present.

The cancer’s tumorous growth can press on the nearby nerves and blood vessels, leading to a loss of sensation in the upper and lower limbs, making it difficult for the patient to carry out activities of daily life independently. The cancer’s location, its extent, and its spread to other parts of the brain and body determine the severity of these symptoms.

Medical providers diagnose malignant neoplasm of the parietal lobe by a thorough physical examination, including looking for characteristic signs and symptoms such as vision loss, muscle weakness, seizures, and difficulty in communication. Additionally, history taking and understanding the patient’s medical background is essential to make a diagnosis. Providers may also conduct laboratory tests such as blood and cerebrospinal fluid cytology to check for tumor markers, which indicate the presence of cancer cells. A brain biopsy is another diagnostic procedure that a medical provider can perform.

Imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) are essential to diagnose the type and extent of malignancy in the parietal lobe. MRI offers clear pictures of the brain’s internal structure and can show any abnormal growth or changes in the brain’s tissue. PET scans use radioactive materials that are injected into the body to highlight areas of cancer infiltration. This scan is particularly useful to stage the cancer, meaning how far it has advanced in the body.

The treatment plan for patients diagnosed with malignant neoplasm of the parietal lobe depends on the cancer’s severity, stage and the patient’s overall health. The most common treatment options include a combination of intrathecal chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Intrathecal chemotherapy is injected directly into the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. This therapy is particularly useful as the blood-brain barrier hinders many medications from reaching the brain. Systemic (intravenous) chemotherapy may also be necessary in advanced cases, but it requires high doses and thus can have significant adverse side effects, including damage to healthy cells.

Anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and steroids can help alleviate symptoms such as seizures, depression and anxiety, and brain swelling, respectively. However, these treatments must be monitored closely to avoid adverse effects from long-term use.

In summary, malignant neoplasm of the parietal lobe can be a fatal disease, especially in advanced stages. A medical provider uses a combination of physical examination, laboratory testing, imaging, and biopsy to diagnose the condition. Treatment options depend on the cancer’s severity, and medication doses must be carefully monitored to avoid potential harmful side effects. With appropriate treatment, however, individuals with this diagnosis can continue to lead a life with improved quality.