ICD-10 Code C50.22 – Malignant neoplasm of upper-inner quadrant of breast, male (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C50.22 – Malignant neoplasm of upper-inner quadrant of breast, male
What it is
This code identifies a malignant tumor arising in the upper-inner quadrant of the male breast. Use it when documentation specifies both breast cancer and the exact breast quadrant.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly recorded findings include a palpable breast mass, nipple changes, skin dimpling, or imaging and biopsy evidence confirming malignancy.
When to use this code
Use C50.22 when the provider documents primary breast cancer in the upper-inner quadrant of the male breast. It is appropriate for confirmed malignancy, including pathology-supported diagnoses and problem lists that clearly identify this site.
If the record only says “male breast cancer” without quadrant detail, check documentation before assigning this code. You may need a more general breast cancer code if the exact location is not stated.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for benign breast lumps, gynecomastia, or unspecified breast cancer site. Check documentation if the lesion is metastatic to the breast rather than a primary breast malignancy.
Coding tip
Code the quadrant only when the provider documents it explicitly; otherwise, select the unspecified breast cancer code and query if needed.