ICD-10 Code C44.221 – Squamous cell carcinoma of skin of unspecified ear and external auricular canal (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C44.221 – Squamous cell carcinoma of skin of unspecified ear and external auricular canal
What it is
This code identifies a malignant squamous cell carcinoma arising in the skin of the ear or external auricular canal, when the site is not further specified. Use it for documented skin-based squamous cell cancer in that anatomic area.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include a persistent scaly or crusted lesion, a nonhealing ulcer, or a firm raised growth on the ear. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation and pathology confirmation when available.
When to use this code
Use C44.221 when the record clearly states squamous cell carcinoma of the skin of the ear or external auricular canal and does not name a more specific ear subsite. It also fits when laterality or exact auricular location is not documented. If the lesion is described only as a skin cancer of the ear, confirm that squamous histology is documented before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, or nonmalignant skin lesions of the ear. Check documentation if the tumor involves deeper ear structures or the site is not clearly skin.
Coding tip
Code the documented histology and anatomic site exactly; if the chart lacks specificity, query for the ear subsite before assigning C44.221.