ICD-10 Code D23.20 – Other benign neoplasm of skin of unspecified ear and external auricular canal (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code D23.20 – Other benign neoplasm of skin of unspecified ear and external auricular canal
What it is
D23.20 identifies a benign skin growth on the ear or external auricular canal when the site is not further specified. Use it for nonmalignant lesions documented as arising from skin in that area.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include a localized, slow-growing skin lesion on or near the ear. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for appearance, size, and whether the lesion is symptomatic or incidental.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents a benign neoplasm of the skin involving the unspecified ear or external auricular canal and does not name a more specific ear site. It is appropriate when pathology or clinical assessment supports a benign skin tumor. If the note only says “ear lesion” or the location is unclear, check documentation before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use D23.20 for malignant skin tumors, inflammatory lesions, or disorders of the ear canal that are not neoplasms. If the lesion is described as a cyst, wart, or unspecified mass, verify the diagnosis first.
Coding tip
Code the most specific ear site documented; if the ear location is not specified, D23.20 is the correct default.