ICD-10 Code C44.291 – Other specified malignant neoplasm of skin of unspecified ear and external auricular canal (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C44.291 – Other specified malignant neoplasm of skin of unspecified ear and external auricular canal
What it is
This code identifies a malignant skin tumor on the ear or external auricular canal when the documentation specifies a type not otherwise classified. Use it for a confirmed cancer of that site, not for a suspicious lesion.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical records may note a persistent ear lesion, ulceration, bleeding, crusting, or a mass on the pinna or external ear canal, with pathology confirming malignancy.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents a malignant neoplasm of the skin involving the unspecified ear or external auricular canal and the histology or wording is “other specified.” It also fits cases where the site is clear but the exact skin cancer type is not named. Check documentation if the record only says “ear cancer” or gives an uncertain diagnosis.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for benign skin lesions, carcinoma in situ, or non-skin malignancies of the ear. If the note identifies a more specific skin cancer code, code that instead.
Coding tip
Verify both the anatomic site and the exact pathology wording before assigning C44.291.