ICD-10 Code D03.22 – Melanoma in situ of left ear and external auricular canal (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code D03.22 – Melanoma in situ of left ear and external auricular canal
What it is
D03.22 identifies melanoma in situ located on the left ear or external auricular canal. “In situ” means the abnormal melanocytes are confined to the epidermis and have not invaded deeper tissue.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. You may see a suspicious pigmented lesion with asymmetry, irregular borders, color variation, or change over time, but histologic confirmation is the key basis for this diagnosis.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents melanoma in situ specifically on the left ear or external auricular canal. It is appropriate after pathology confirms an in situ melanoma and the site is clearly identified in the record.
If the lesion is documented only as melanoma without “in situ,” or the laterality/site is unclear, check documentation before assigning D03.22.
Do not use for
Do not use D03.22 for invasive melanoma, uncertain behavior lesions, or benign pigmented ear lesions. Check documentation if the lesion is on the right ear, other skin site, or the exact anatomic location is not stated.
Coding tip
Verify both laterality and that the pathology supports “in situ” before coding D03.22.