ICD-10 Code C43.22 – Malignant melanoma of left ear and external auricular canal (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C43.22 – Malignant melanoma of left ear and external auricular canal
What it is
This code identifies a malignant melanoma located on the left ear or within the external auricular canal. Use it when documentation specifies a primary melanoma in that exact anatomic site.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include a suspicious pigmented or amelanotic lesion, asymmetry, irregular borders, color variation, or change in size. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use C43.22 when the provider documents malignant melanoma of the left ear or external auricular canal. It applies to confirmed primary melanoma at that site, including pathology-supported diagnoses. If the record only says “ear” without laterality or site detail, check documentation before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for benign nevi, dysplastic lesions, or non-melanoma skin cancers of the ear. Do not assign it if the melanoma is documented on a different ear or another skin site.
Coding tip
Verify laterality and exact ear subsite in the pathology or operative note before assigning C43.22.