ICD-10 Code C44.51 – Basal cell carcinoma of skin of trunk (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C44.51 – Basal cell carcinoma of skin of trunk
What it is
This code identifies a basal cell carcinoma located on the trunk, including the chest, back, or abdomen. Use it when documentation specifies this skin cancer site.
Clinical signs
Basal cell carcinoma often appears as a slow-growing pearly or translucent papule, a pink patch, or a sore that does not heal. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use C44.51 when the provider documents basal cell carcinoma of the trunk and does not identify a different skin site. It also applies when pathology confirms basal cell carcinoma and the trunk is the documented location. If the exact site is unclear, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for basal cell carcinoma of the face, scalp, extremities, or other non-trunk sites. Do not use it when the lesion is only suspected or when documentation names a different skin cancer.
Coding tip
Verify the anatomic site in the pathology or operative note before assigning C44.51.