ICD-10 Code C44.12 – Squamous cell carcinoma of skin of eyelid, including canthus (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C44.12 – Squamous cell carcinoma of skin of eyelid, including canthus
What it is
C44.12 identifies squamous cell carcinoma arising in the skin of the eyelid, including the inner or outer canthus. Use it for a malignant epithelial skin tumor documented at this eyelid site.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include a persistent eyelid lesion that may be scaly, crusted, ulcerated, or enlarging. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation, especially when pathology confirms squamous cell carcinoma.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents squamous cell carcinoma of the eyelid skin or canthus, whether newly diagnosed or under active evaluation. It is appropriate when the lesion is specifically located on the eyelid rather than another facial skin site. If the note only says “skin cancer” or the exact site is unclear, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use it for basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, or benign eyelid lesions. Do not apply it when the lesion is on the conjunctiva or another non-skin structure; check documentation.
Coding tip
Confirm both the histology and the exact eyelid/canthus location before assigning C44.12.