ICD-10 Code C44.212 – Basal cell carcinoma of skin of right ear and external auricular canal (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C44.212 – Basal cell carcinoma of skin of right ear and external auricular canal
What it is
This code identifies basal cell carcinoma arising on the skin of the right ear or within the external auricular canal. Use it when documentation specifies this exact site and the tumor is basal cell type.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include a persistent pearly or flesh-colored lesion, possible ulceration, and slow local growth. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents basal cell carcinoma of the right ear, auricle, or external auricular canal. It also fits pathology-confirmed cases when the site is clearly recorded in the chart. If the laterality or exact ear location is unclear, check documentation before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for lesions on the left ear, unspecified ear, or non-basal skin cancers. Do not assign it when the record only says “skin cancer” without confirming basal cell carcinoma and site.
Coding tip
Verify both histology and laterality in the pathology or operative note before selecting C44.212.