ICD-10 Code C43.2 – Malignant melanoma of ear and external auricular canal (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C43.2 – Malignant melanoma of ear and external auricular canal
What it is
C43.2 identifies a malignant melanoma located on the ear or in the external auricular canal. Use it when documentation specifies a primary melanoma at this site.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical findings may include a changing pigmented lesion, irregular borders, color variation, bleeding, or ulceration on the ear or within the external ear canal.
When to use this code
Use C43.2 when the provider documents malignant melanoma of the ear, pinna, auricle, or external auricular canal. It is appropriate for confirmed primary skin melanoma at this anatomic site. Check documentation if the lesion site is unclear or if the diagnosis is only suspected.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for benign nevi, non-melanoma skin cancers, or melanoma at a different body site. If the record does not clearly identify the ear or external auricular canal, check documentation.
Coding tip
Verify the exact anatomic location in the pathology or provider note before assigning C43.2.