Cholesteatoma of middle ear (H71)
The ICD-10 code H71 and its subcodes are specifically used to classify and document various forms of cholesteatoma affecting the middle ear. These codes cover different locations and laterality, including the attic, tympanum, and mastoid, with options for specifying right, left, bilateral, or unspecified ear involvement.
Cholesteatoma is an abnormal skin growth in the middle ear that can cause damage and hearing loss. The ICD-10 codes detail distinctions such as H71.0 for cholesteatoma of the attic, H71.1 for the tympanum, and H71.2 for the mastoid process. For example, common synonyms like “cholesteatoma of attic” or “cholesteatoma tympanum” are linked with these codes to clarify documentation choices. Additionally, codes like H71.30 designate diffuse cholesteatosis, a related condition often referred to as cholesterolosis of the middle ear. The use of these detailed ICD-10 codes ensures accurate identification of the disease's precise location and extent, supporting proper diagnosis, treatment, and billing for cholesteatoma conditions.
Diseases of the ear and mastoid process (H60–H95)
Diseases of middle ear and mastoid (H65-H75)
H71 Cholesteatoma of middle ear
H71.0 Cholesteatoma of attic
- H71.00 Cholesteatoma of attic, unspecified ear
- H71.01 Cholesteatoma of attic, right ear
- H71.02 Cholesteatoma of attic, left ear
- H71.03 Cholesteatoma of attic, bilateral
H71.1 Cholesteatoma of tympanum
- H71.10 Cholesteatoma of tympanum, unspecified ear
- H71.11 Cholesteatoma of tympanum, right ear
- H71.12 Cholesteatoma of tympanum, left ear
- H71.13 Cholesteatoma of tympanum, bilateral
H71.2 Cholesteatoma of mastoid
- H71.20 Cholesteatoma of mastoid, unspecified ear
- H71.21 Cholesteatoma of mastoid, right ear
- H71.22 Cholesteatoma of mastoid, left ear
- H71.23 Cholesteatoma of mastoid, bilateral
H71.3 Diffuse cholesteatosis
- H71.30 Diffuse cholesteatosis, unspecified ear
- H71.31 Diffuse cholesteatosis, right ear
- H71.32 Diffuse cholesteatosis, left ear
- H71.33 Diffuse cholesteatosis, bilateral
H71.9 Unspecified cholesteatoma
- H71.90 Unspecified cholesteatoma, unspecified ear
- H71.91 Unspecified cholesteatoma, right ear
- H71.92 Unspecified cholesteatoma, left ear
- H71.93 Unspecified cholesteatoma, bilateral
Cholesteatoma of middle ear (H71)
Instructional Notations
Type 2 Excludes
A type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.
Clinical Terms
The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.
Cholesteatoma
A non-neoplastic mass of keratin-producing squamous EPITHELIUM, frequently occurring in the MENINGES; bones of the skull, and most commonly in the MIDDLE EAR and MASTOID region. Cholesteatoma can be congenital or acquired. Cholesteatoma is not a tumor nor is it associated with high CHOLESTEROL.
Cholesteatoma, Middle Ear
A mass of KERATIN-producing squamous EPITHELIUM that resembles an inverted (suck-in) bag of skin in the MIDDLE EAR. It arises from the eardrum (TYMPANIC MEMBRANE) and grows into the MIDDLE EAR causing erosion of EAR OSSICLES and MASTOID that contains the INNER EAR.
