ICD-10 Code D03.20 – Melanoma in situ of unspecified ear and external auricular canal (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code D03.20 – Melanoma in situ of unspecified ear and external auricular canal
What it is
This code identifies melanoma in situ located on the ear or external auricular canal when the documentation does not specify the side. The lesion is confined to the epidermis, without documented invasion.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly, records describe a suspicious pigmented lesion, irregular borders, color variation, or change in size, with biopsy confirming melanoma in situ.
When to use this code
Use D03.20 when the provider documents melanoma in situ of the ear or external auricular canal and does not identify right or left. It also fits pathology or operative notes that confirm in situ disease at this site. If the note specifies a different ear location, code that more precise option instead.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for invasive melanoma, which requires a different malignant neoplasm code. If the documentation names a specific ear side, or another skin site entirely, choose the more specific code.
Coding tip
Verify both the site and laterality in the pathology or clinician note before assigning D03.20.