ICD-10 Code C44.721 – Squamous cell carcinoma of skin of unspecified lower limb, including hip (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C44.721 – Squamous cell carcinoma of skin of unspecified lower limb, including hip
What it is
This code identifies a squamous cell carcinoma arising in the skin of the lower limb or hip when the exact site is not further specified. Use it for a documented malignant skin tumor in that region.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include a persistent scaly or crusted lesion, a nonhealing ulcer, or a firm enlarging nodule. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use C44.721 when the record states squamous cell carcinoma of the skin on an unspecified lower limb, including the hip, and no more precise subsite is documented. It also fits pathology-confirmed skin SCC in that area when laterality or exact location is not available. If the documentation names a more specific site, code that instead.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, or squamous cell carcinoma at a different body site. Check documentation if the lesion is not clearly documented as skin cancer.
Coding tip
Look for exact anatomic wording in the pathology or provider note before choosing this unspecified lower-limb code.