ICD-10 Code C44.501 – Unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of breast (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C44.501 – Unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of breast
What it is
C44.501 identifies a malignant skin tumor located on the breast when the record does not specify the exact skin site or histology. Use it only for skin cancers arising in the breast skin, not for breast parenchymal malignancy.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Skin cancers may present as a nonhealing lesion, ulcer, scaly patch, or changing pigmented area on the breast skin, with confirmation by pathology when available.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents a malignant neoplasm of the skin of the breast and does not identify a more specific skin site or subtype. It is appropriate for final diagnoses, pathology reports, or assessment notes that clearly place the cancer in the breast skin. If the record instead describes invasive breast cancer, check documentation and code the breast malignancy.
Do not use for
Do not use C44.501 for malignant neoplasm of the breast glandular tissue or for benign skin lesions. If the diagnosis is a more specific skin cancer site or type, code that documented condition instead.
Coding tip
Verify that “breast” refers to the skin of the breast, not the breast as an organ, before assigning C44.501.