ICD-10 Code C44.40 – Unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of scalp and neck (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C44.40 – Unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of scalp and neck
What it is
C44.40 identifies a malignant skin tumor on the scalp or neck when the record does not specify the exact histology. Use it for documented skin cancer in this anatomic area when more detail is unavailable.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly recorded findings include a suspicious skin lesion, nonhealing ulcer, bleeding, crusting, or a biopsy-proven malignant lesion on the scalp or neck.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents a malignant neoplasm of skin on the scalp or neck but does not name the cell type. It also fits when pathology confirms malignancy and the chart only identifies the site. If later documentation gives a specific skin cancer type, code that more specific diagnosis instead.
Do not use for
Do not use C44.40 for benign skin lesions, premalignant changes, or cancers arising from non-skin structures of the head and neck. Check documentation if the site is lip, eyelid, ear, or another more specific location.
Coding tip
Capture the exact anatomic site and any later pathology details, because a more specific skin cancer code may replace this unspecified code.