ICD-10 Code C00.2 – Malignant neoplasm of external lip, unspecified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C00.2 – Malignant neoplasm of external lip, unspecified
What it is
C00.2 identifies a malignant tumor on the outer lip when the exact site is not further specified. Use it for documentation of cancer arising from the external lip, not the oral mucosa.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include a persistent lip lesion, ulceration, crusting, induration, bleeding, or a nonhealing sore. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the confirmed diagnosis and site.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents malignant neoplasm of the external lip and does not specify upper, lower, or other part. It also fits cases where the record confirms lip cancer but leaves the exact external lip location unclear. Check documentation if the lesion is described only as oral, labial mucosa, or vermilion border.
Do not use for
Do not use C00.2 for cancers of the inner lip, oral cavity, or other nearby sites. If the documentation names a more specific lip subsite, code that instead.
Coding tip
Look for the words “external,” “outer,” or “lip” in the pathology or provider note before assigning C00.2.