ICD-10 Code C44.72 – Squamous cell carcinoma of skin of lower limb, including hip (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C44.72 – Squamous cell carcinoma of skin of lower limb, including hip
What it is
C44.72 identifies a squamous cell carcinoma arising in the skin of the lower limb, including the hip. Use it for a malignant keratinocyte tumor documented at that anatomic site.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include a persistent scaly or crusted lesion, a nonhealing ulcer, or a firm raised nodule. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Assign this code when the provider documents squamous cell carcinoma of the skin on the leg, ankle, foot, or hip region. Use the most specific site available in the record. If the note only says “skin cancer” or the site is unclear, check documentation before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use C44.72 for basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, or squamous cell carcinoma at a different skin site. If the lesion is not confirmed as malignant, check documentation.
Coding tip
Match the code to the exact anatomic site documented, and query when the lower-limb location is vague or mixed with another site.