ICD-10 Code C44.691 – Other specified malignant neoplasm of skin of unspecified upper limb, including shoulder (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C44.691 – Other specified malignant neoplasm of skin of unspecified upper limb, including shoulder
What it is
This code identifies a malignant skin tumor on the upper limb or shoulder when the site is not further specified and the diagnosis does not fit a more specific skin cancer code. Use the documented location as written.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Skin cancers may appear as a persistent lesion, nonhealing sore, changing growth, or abnormal pigmented or ulcerated area, but you should code only what is documented.
When to use this code
Use C44.691 when the record states a malignant neoplasm of skin on an unspecified upper limb, including shoulder, and no more detailed anatomic site is provided. It is appropriate when the provider documents a specific malignant skin lesion but not the exact subsite. If laterality or a more precise site is available, check documentation and code that instead.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for benign skin lesions, premalignant conditions, or skin cancers with a more specific site code. If the chart identifies a different body location or a non-skin primary malignancy, check documentation.
Coding tip
Code to the highest level of anatomic specificity documented, and query when the upper-limb site or laterality is unclear.