ICD-10 Code C44.222 – Squamous cell carcinoma of skin of right ear and external auricular canal (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C44.222 – Squamous cell carcinoma of skin of right ear and external auricular canal
What it is
C44.222 identifies a squamous cell carcinoma arising from the skin of the right ear or external auricular canal. Use it when documentation clearly states this exact anatomic site and malignant skin tumor type.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include a persistent, enlarging skin lesion on the right ear, often scaly, crusted, ulcerated, or nonhealing. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the record specifies squamous cell carcinoma of the skin on the right ear or external auricular canal. It also fits pathology-confirmed disease at that site, even if the note describes the lesion as a skin cancer or SCC. If the laterality or exact ear location is unclear, check documentation before assigning the code.
Do not use for
Do not use C44.222 for lesions on the left ear, unspecified ear, or non-skin malignancies of the ear canal. Check documentation if the site is the middle or inner ear rather than the external auricular canal.
Coding tip
Confirm both laterality and the external ear site in the pathology or operative note before coding.