2025 ICD-10-CM code C44.62
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Neoplasms - Malignant neoplasm of skin of upper limb, including shoulder 2: Neoplasms Feed
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin of the upper limb, including the shoulder.
Medical necessity is established by the diagnosis of SCC confirmed by biopsy. The chosen treatment modality must be appropriate for the stage and location of the cancer, documented and justified by clinical findings.
Diagnosis involves physical examination, biopsy, and imaging (CT/MRI). Treatment varies based on disease severity and may include surgical excision, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, cryotherapy, and photodynamic therapy.
- 2: Neoplasms
- Malignant neoplasms (C00-C97)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)Malignant neoplasms of digestive organs (C15-C26)Malignant neoplasms of respiratory and intrathoracic organs (C30-C39)Malignant neoplasms of bone and articular cartilage (C40-C41)Malignant neoplasms of soft tissue and skin (C43-C49)Melanoma and other malignant neoplasms of skin (C43-C44)Other malignant neoplasms of skin (C44.-)
In simple words: This code refers to a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) located on the arm or shoulder area.SCC often appears as a firm bump, a scaly patch, or a sore that doesn't heal.It's more common in people who get a lot of sun exposure.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin of the upper extremity and shoulder arises from uncontrolled multiplication of malignant cells deriving from the epithelium (the outer layer of skin) or exhibiting squamous cell differentiation. SCC is common in individuals with excessive exposure to sunlight or certain chemicals.
Example 1: A 65-year-old male presents with a non-healing sore on his left shoulder, later diagnosed as SCC via biopsy. The lesion is surgically excised., A 70-year-old female with a history of sun exposure has a rough, scaly patch on her right arm. A biopsy confirms SCC, and she undergoes cryotherapy., A 55-year-old male develops a hard nodule on his upper left arm following a chemical burn. Biopsy and imaging studies reveal SCC, and a combination of surgery and radiation therapy is recommended.
Documentation should include details of the lesion's appearance, location, size, and any associated symptoms. Biopsy results confirming SCC are crucial. Imaging reports, if any, should also be included. Treatment details and follow-up plans are also essential.
- Specialties:Dermatology, Oncology, Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Inpatient Hospital