ICD-10 Code C50.01 – Malignant neoplasm of nipple and areola, female (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C50.01 – Malignant neoplasm of nipple and areola, female
What it is
C50.01 identifies a malignant tumor arising in the nipple or areola of the female breast. Use it when the record specifically documents cancer in that location.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly recorded findings include a breast or nipple mass, nipple changes, ulceration, discharge, or skin involvement, but the diagnosis must be confirmed in the chart.
When to use this code
Use C50.01 when the provider documents primary malignancy of the female nipple or areola. Code it for confirmed cancer in that anatomic site, including pathology or imaging-supported documentation when the location is clear. Check documentation if the record only says “breast cancer” without site detail.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for benign breast disease, infection, trauma, or unspecified breast cancer. If the documentation does not identify the nipple or areola as the primary site, choose the more accurate breast cancer code or check documentation.
Coding tip
Confirm the exact breast subsite before assigning C50.01, because laterality and location details often change code selection.