2025 ICD-10-CM code C44.0
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Neoplasms - Malignant neoplasm of lip 2 Neoplasms Feed
Malignant neoplasm of the skin of the lip. This code excludes malignant neoplasm of the lip (C00.-).
Medical necessity depends on the specific diagnosis and treatment plan. Generally, treatment for skin cancer is considered medically necessary when it aims to remove or destroy malignant tissue.
Diagnosis of lip cancer involves physical examination, biopsy, and imaging studies. Treatment may involve Mohs surgery, excision, chemotherapy, radiation, or other therapies.
In simple words: Cancer of the skin of the lip, not otherwise specified.This means a cancerous growth has developed on the skin of the lip but isn’t one of the specific types already listed in the coding system. It’s different from cancer that starts within the lip itself.
Other and unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of lip. This code excludes malignant neoplasm of lip (C00.-).
Example 1: A patient presents with a non-healing ulcer on the skin of the lower lip, confirmed by biopsy as squamous cell carcinoma. As it is on the skin of the lip and not the lip itself, C44.0 is used., A patient has a persistent lesion on the upper lip skin. Biopsy shows basal cell carcinoma. C44.0 is appropriate as it is on the skin, not the lip itself., A patient with a history of sun exposure has a suspicious growth on the skin of the lip.A biopsy is performed and the pathology report identifies it as a malignant neoplasm, but does not specify the type.C44.0 would be the correct code.
Medical record documentation should include the location (skin of lip), the type of malignant neoplasm (if specified), and any associated symptoms or relevant medical history (such as sun exposure, tobacco use, etc.).
- Specialties:Dermatology, Oncology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Inpatient Hospital