ICD-10 Code C30.1 – Malignant neoplasm of middle ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C30.1 – Malignant neoplasm of middle ear
What it is
C30.1 identifies a malignant tumor arising in the middle ear. Use it when the documentation states primary cancer of that site, not a spread from another location.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly recorded findings include a middle ear mass, persistent ear symptoms, hearing loss, or otoscopic evidence suggesting malignancy.
When to use this code
Use C30.1 when the provider documents a primary malignant neoplasm of the middle ear, including confirmed pathology or a clear clinical diagnosis. Code it from the final diagnosis, operative note, or oncology assessment. If the site is uncertain or another primary site is identified, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for benign middle ear lesions, inflammatory ear disease, or metastatic cancer to the middle ear. If the record only says “ear cancer” without site confirmation, check documentation.
Coding tip
Verify that “middle ear” is explicitly documented as the primary site before assigning C30.1.