2025 ICD-10-CM code C00.2
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Malignant neoplasms of lip, oral cavity and pharynx - Malignant neoplasm of external lip, unspecified 2: Neoplasms Feed
Malignant neoplasm of the external lip, unspecified site.
Medical necessity is established by the confirmed diagnosis of a malignant neoplasm of the lip, necessitating treatment and management.
Diagnosis and treatment of lip cancer typically involves a combination of physical examination, biopsy, imaging (e.g. endoscopy), and treatment options such as excision, Mohs surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy depending on the stage and type of the cancer.
- 2: Neoplasms
- Malignant neoplasms, stated or presumed to be primary (of specified sites), and certain specified histologies, except neuroendocrine, and of lymphoid, hematopoietic and related tissue (C00-C75)Malignant neoplasms of lip, oral cavity and pharynx (C00-C14)
In simple words: Cancerous growth on the outer part of the lip, with the exact location not specified in the medical record.
Malignant neoplasm of the external lip, where the specific location (upper, lower, or commissure) is not documented. This code includes malignant neoplasms of the vermilion border of the lip, but excludes malignant melanoma (C43.0) and Merkel cell carcinoma (C4A.0).
Example 1: A patient presents with a persistent, non-healing sore on their lower lip. Biopsy confirms squamous cell carcinoma, but the physician's documentation does not specify whether it affects the vermilion border or other parts of the lip. Code C00.2 is used., A patient has a lesion on their upper lip. Following an excisional biopsy, the pathology report diagnoses a malignant neoplasm. The report and physician documentation lack specific location details within the lip. C00.2 is applied., A patient with a history of heavy smoking develops a cancerous growth on the lip. The physician notes "lip cancer" without further specifying the affected part.Code C00.2 is assigned. Supplementary codes for tobacco use (Z72.0) and history of tobacco dependence (Z87.891) can be considered.
Documentation should include the diagnosis of malignant neoplasm, the affected lip (external), and, if known, details regarding the size, morphology, and specific site (upper/lower/vermilion border) of the lesion.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Oncology, Otolaryngology, Dermatology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Inpatient Hospital