2025 ICD-10-CM code C44.501
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Malignant Neoplasms of Skin - Skin of breast 2: Neoplasms Feed
Unspecified malignant neoplasm of the skin of the breast.
Medical necessity is based on the presence of a confirmed malignant neoplasm of the skin of the breast requiring medical intervention. Documentation should support the need for treatment, such as diagnostic testing, planned procedures, or ongoing monitoring.
The provider diagnoses the patient based on history, physical examination, and examination of a biopsy specimen. Treatment may include excision, curettage, cryosurgery, Mohs surgery, photodynamic therapy, laser therapy, chemotherapy, and/or radiotherapy.
In simple words: Skin cancer of the breast, where the specific type is not known.
Malignant neoplasm of the skin of the breast, unspecified type. This code indicates the presence of a cancerous growth on the breast's skin without specifying the histological type (e.g., basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma).
Example 1: A 60-year-old female presents with a changing mole on the skin of her left breast. Biopsy confirms malignancy, but further testing is needed to determine the specific type. C44.501 is used until a definitive diagnosis is made., A 45-year-old male has a persistent ulcerating lesion on the skin of his right breast. Biopsy shows malignant cells, but the pathologist is unable to determine the specific type. C44.501 is used., A 70-year-old female has a rapidly growing nodule on the skin overlying her left breast. The clinical impression is skin cancer, but the biopsy results are inconclusive regarding the specific type. C44.501 is used initially.
Clinical findings, biopsy results, and pathology reports describing the malignant neoplasm. Information regarding size, location, and appearance of the lesion should also be documented. If further testing is planned to determine the specific type, this should be noted.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Oncology, Dermatology, General Surgery, Plastic Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Inpatient Hospital