2025 ICD-10-CM code C44.301

Unspecified malignant neoplasm of the skin of the nose.

Use the most specific code possible.If the histology is documented, select a more specific code under C44.3. Chapter 2 classifies neoplasms primarily by site. Do not code overlapping malignant lesions to the .8 subcategory of a codeunless specifically indexed elsewhere.

Medical necessity for diagnostic procedures and treatment is based on the presence of signs and symptoms suggestive of skin cancer. The medical record should justify the evaluation and management of the skin cancer.

Diagnosis is typically based on physical exam, possibly with imaging (CT, MRI), and confirmed by biopsy. Treatment can vary widely depending on the type and stage of cancer, and may include excision, Mohs surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or topical medications.

IMPORTANT If the specific type of skin cancer is known (e.g., basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma), use the appropriate, more specific code (e.g., C44.311 for basal cell carcinoma of nose, C44.321 for squamous cell carcinoma of nose). Do not use this code for Kaposi's sarcoma of skin (C46.0) or malignant melanoma of skin (C43.-).

In simple words: This code indicates skin cancer on the nose, but the doctor hasn't specified what type of skin cancer it is.

This code represents a malignant neoplasm of the skin of the nose, where the specific type of malignancy (e.g., basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma) is not specified in the diagnostic statement.It includes malignancies of sebaceous glands and sweat glands of the nose.

Example 1: A patient presents with a non-healing sore on their nose.A biopsy confirms malignancy but does not specify the type. C44.301 is used until further testing identifies the specific type of skin cancer., A physician documents "malignant neoplasm of the skin of the nose" without further specifying the histological type. C44.301 is used., A patient has a history of skin cancer on their nose. The pathology report simply states “skin cancer, nose”. C44.301 can be used if the particular type of skin cancer cannot be determined.

Documentation should include the location of the lesion, clinical findings (size, appearance, etc.), and confirmation of malignancy. If biopsies or other diagnostic tests are performed, include the results in the documentation. The physician should note uncertainty about the cancer type that justifies reporting the non-specific code.

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