ICD-10 Code D23.21 – Other benign neoplasm of skin of right ear and external auricular canal (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code D23.21 – Other benign neoplasm of skin of right ear and external auricular canal
What it is
This code identifies a benign, noncancerous skin growth located on the right ear or in the external auricular canal. Use it when documentation specifies a benign neoplasm and the site is the right side.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Benign skin lesions may appear as a localized mass, papule, or nodule, and are usually described as nonmalignant on exam or pathology.
When to use this code
Use D23.21 when the provider documents a benign neoplasm of the skin of the right ear or external auricular canal. It may be supported by pathology, biopsy, or a clear clinical diagnosis. If the record only says “lesion” or “mass,” check documentation before coding this diagnosis.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for malignant, premalignant, inflammatory, or infectious ear lesions. Check documentation if the site is the left ear, unspecified ear, or a non-skin structure.
Coding tip
Verify both laterality and anatomic site, because the code is specific to the right ear and external auricular canal.