2021 ICD-10-CM Code C44.29
Other specified malignant neoplasm of skin of ear and external auricular canal
Not Valid for Submission
C44.29 is a "header" nonspecific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of other specified malignant neoplasm of skin of ear and external auricular canal. The code is NOT valid for the year 2021 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.
The following anatomical sites found in the Table of Neoplasms apply to this code given the correct histological behavior: Neoplasm, neoplastic ear (external) [See Also: Neoplasm, skin, ear] skin specified type NEC or Neoplasm, neoplastic earlobe specified type NEC or Neoplasm, neoplastic skin NOS ear (external) specified type NEC .
| ICD-10: | C44.29 |
| Short Description: | Oth malignant neoplasm skin/ ear and external auric canal |
| Long Description: | Other specified malignant neoplasm of skin of ear and external auricular canal |
Code Classification
Specific Coding for Oth malignant neoplasm skin/ ear and external auric canal
Header codes like C44.29 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10 codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for oth malignant neoplasm skin/ ear and external auric canal:
Index to Diseases and Injuries
The Index to Diseases and Injuries is an alphabetical listing of medical terms, with each term mapped to one or more ICD-10 code(s). The following references for the code C44.29 are found in the index:
- - Adenocarcinoma - See Also: Neoplasm, malignant, by site;
- - ceruminous - C44.29
- - Carcinoma (malignant) - See Also: Neoplasm, by site, malignant;
- - ceruminous - C44.29
Table of Neoplasms
The code C44.29 is included in the table of neoplasms by anatomical site. For each site there are six possible code numbers according to whether the neoplasm in question is malignant, benign, in situ, of uncertain behavior, or of unspecified nature. The description of the neoplasm will often indicate which of the six columns is appropriate.
Where such descriptors are not present, the remainder of the Index should be consulted where guidance is given to the appropriate column for each morphological (histological) variety listed. However, the guidance in the Index can be overridden if one of the descriptors mentioned above is present.
Information for Patients
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The two most common types are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer. They usually form on the head, face, neck, hands, and arms. Another type of skin cancer, melanoma, is more dangerous but less common.
Anyone can get skin cancer, but it is more common in people who
- Spend a lot of time in the sun or have been sunburned
- Have light-colored skin, hair and eyes
- Have a family member with skin cancer
- Are over age 50
You should have your doctor check any suspicious skin markings and any changes in the way your skin looks. Treatment is more likely to work well when cancer is found early. If not treated, some types of skin cancer cells can spread to other tissues and organs. Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and biologic therapy. PDT uses a drug and a type of laser light to kill cancer cells. Biologic therapy boosts your body's own ability to fight cancer.
NIH: National Cancer Institute
- Basal cell carcinoma (Medical Encyclopedia)
- Mohs micrographic surgery (Medical Encyclopedia)
- Skin lesion biopsy (Medical Encyclopedia)
- Skin self-exam (Medical Encyclopedia)
- Squamous cell skin cancer (Medical Encyclopedia)
[Learn More]
Code History
- FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
- FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
- FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
- FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
- FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
- FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016 (First year ICD-10-CM implemented into the HIPAA code set)