Malignant neoplasm of lip (C00)
ICD-10 code C00 and its subcodes classify malignant tumors located on different parts of the lip, including the upper and lower lips, their inner aspects, and the commissure (corner). These codes specifically identify cancers originating in the lip area.
This section covers diverse malignant neoplasms of the lip, important for precise diagnosis and treatment planning. For instance, C00.0 refers to cancer of the external upper lip, also known by terms like “primary squamous cell carcinoma of the vermilion border of the upper lip,” while C00.1 denotes similar cancer on the external lower lip. Codes such as C00.3 and C00.4 are used when the cancer affects the inner aspects of the upper or lower lip, with synonyms including “primary carcinoma of the frenum of lip.” Unspecified and overlapping sites are coded as C00.2, C00.5, C00.6, C00.8, and C00.9. Using the correct ICD-10 code for lip cancer, whether described as carcinoma of the vermilion border or malignant tumor of the lip’s mucous membrane, ensures clear communication in medical records and billing. These details help both clinicians and coders accurately identify the tumor location and type within the lip.
Neoplasms (C00–D49)
Malignant neoplasms of lip, oral cavity and pharynx (C00-C14)
C00 Malignant neoplasm of lip
- C00.0 Malignant neoplasm of external upper lip
- C00.1 Malignant neoplasm of external lower lip
- C00.2 Malignant neoplasm of external lip, unspecified
- C00.3 Malignant neoplasm of upper lip, inner aspect
- C00.4 Malignant neoplasm of lower lip, inner aspect
- C00.5 Malignant neoplasm of lip, unspecified, inner aspect
- C00.6 Malignant neoplasm of commissure of lip, unspecified
- C00.8 Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of lip
- C00.9 Malignant neoplasm of lip, unspecified
Malignant neoplasm of lip (C00)
Instructional Notations
Use Additional Code
The “use additional code” indicates that a secondary code could be used to further specify the patient’s condition. This note is not mandatory and is only used if enough information is available to assign an additional code.
- code to identify:
- alcohol abuse and dependence F10
- history of tobacco dependence Z87.891
- tobacco dependence F17
- tobacco use Z72.0
Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
