ICD-10 Code C44.629 – Squamous cell carcinoma of skin of left upper limb, including shoulder (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C44.629 – Squamous cell carcinoma of skin of left upper limb, including shoulder
What it is
This code identifies a malignant squamous cell carcinoma arising in the skin of the left upper limb, including the shoulder. Use it when the documentation specifies this exact anatomic site.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Squamous cell skin cancer is often described as a persistent, enlarging, scaly, crusted, ulcerated, or nonhealing lesion, sometimes with tenderness or bleeding.
When to use this code
Use C44.629 when the provider documents squamous cell carcinoma of the skin on the left arm, forearm, hand, or shoulder region and does not identify a different site. It is appropriate for confirmed primary skin cancer at this location. If the note only says “left upper extremity” or the site is unclear, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, or squamous cancer involving non-skin sites. Check documentation if the lesion is on another body part or if the record does not specify the left upper limb, including shoulder.
Coding tip
Code the exact laterality and site from the pathology or provider note, and query when the location is not specific enough.