ICD-10 Code D03.21 – Melanoma in situ of right ear and external auricular canal (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code D03.21 – Melanoma in situ of right ear and external auricular canal
What it is
D03.21 identifies melanoma in situ limited to the skin of the right ear and external auricular canal. The lesion is confined to the epidermis, with no documented invasion into deeper tissue.
Clinical signs
Typical documentation may note an irregular pigmented lesion, changing mole, or biopsy-proven melanoma in situ on the right ear or ear canal. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents melanoma in situ, lentigo maligna, or similar noninvasive melanoma specifically on the right ear or external auricular canal. The diagnosis should identify the right side and confirm in situ disease. If the site or laterality is unclear, check documentation before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use D03.21 for invasive melanoma, uncertain behavior lesions, or skin cancers on other ear locations. Do not assign it when the record only says suspicious lesion or atypical nevus without confirmed melanoma in situ.
Coding tip
Verify both laterality and the exact anatomic site in the pathology or provider note before assigning D03.21.