ICD-10 Code C44.2 – Other and unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of ear and external auricular canal (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C44.2 – Other and unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of ear and external auricular canal
What it is
This code identifies a malignant skin tumor located on the ear or external ear canal when the documentation does not specify a more exact skin cancer type. Use it for confirmed malignant neoplasms of that anatomic site.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include a persistent skin lesion on the ear, such as a nonhealing ulcer, crusted or bleeding area, or enlarging nodule. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use C44.2 when the record states a malignant neoplasm of the skin of the ear or external auricular canal and does not name a more specific subtype. It also fits unspecified malignant skin cancers at that site when pathology or provider documentation confirms malignancy.
Check laterality or histology only if the chart provides it, but do not guess from appearance alone. If the lesion is described as benign, premalignant, or uncertain, this code is not appropriate.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for benign skin lesions, dysplastic lesions, or non-malignant ear conditions. Check documentation if the lesion is a different cancer type or a non-skin malignancy involving the ear.
Coding tip
Code only after confirming the site is the ear or external auricular canal and the diagnosis is malignant skin cancer, not a suspected lesion.