ICD-10 Code C44.82 – Squamous cell carcinoma of overlapping sites of skin (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C44.82 – Squamous cell carcinoma of overlapping sites of skin
What it is
This code identifies a malignant squamous cell carcinoma of the skin involving overlapping sites, meaning the tumor spans more than one adjacent skin location and cannot be assigned to a single specific site.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include a persistent scaly or crusted skin lesion, a nonhealing ulcer, or a firm enlarging nodule. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use C44.82 when the provider documents squamous cell carcinoma of the skin and specifies overlapping sites rather than one exact anatomic site. This is appropriate when the lesion crosses adjacent skin areas and the record supports that wording. Check documentation if the site description is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, or squamous cell carcinoma limited to one clearly documented skin site. If the documentation does not support overlapping sites, choose the more specific code.
Coding tip
Code the site exactly as documented; overlapping sites should not be assumed from a large lesion alone.