ICD-10 Code C44.01 – Basal cell carcinoma of skin of lip (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C44.01 – Basal cell carcinoma of skin of lip
What it is
C44.01 identifies a basal cell carcinoma arising on the lip skin. Use it for a malignant skin tumor on the lip, not for benign lesions or cancers from other lip structures.
Clinical signs
Basal cell carcinoma often appears as a pearly or shiny papule, a nonhealing sore, or a lesion that may bleed easily. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents basal cell carcinoma specifically located on the skin of the lip. It also applies when pathology or the assessment confirms this site and histology. Check documentation if the record only says “lip cancer” or does not specify skin involvement.
Do not use for
Do not use C44.01 for carcinoma of the oral mucosa, vermilion only if documented differently, or other skin sites. Do not assign it when the diagnosis is uncertain or the site is not specified.
Coding tip
Confirm both the histology and the exact lip site in the note before assigning C44.01.