2025 ICD-10-CM code C44.591
(Valid) Effective Date: N/A Neoplasms - Other specified malignant neoplasm of skin of breast 2 Neoplasms (C00-D49) Feed
Malignant neoplasm of the skin of the breast, not otherwise specified.
Medical necessity is established by the diagnosis of a malignant neoplasm affecting the skin of the breast.The specific treatment will determine further medical necessity documentation requirements.
The provider will evaluate the patient's history and physical exam findings, such as changes in the skin of the breast, including size, shape, color, and texture.Diagnostic procedures may include a skin biopsy (e.g., punch biopsy) and imaging studies (CT and/or MRI) to determine the extent of the disease and potential spread to other sites. Treatment may include surgical excision, Mohs surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, cryotherapy, or photodynamic therapy.
- 2 Neoplasms (C00-D49)
- 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 mesothelial and soft tissue (C45-C49)Melanoma and other malignant neoplasms of skin (C43-C44)Other and unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin (C44)Other and unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of breast (C44.5)
In simple words: This code indicates a specific type of skin cancer on the breast that is not categorized under other, more specific skin cancer codes.
This code represents a malignant neoplasm affecting the skin of the breast that is not classified elsewhere in the ICD-10-CM. This excludes malignant neoplasms of the nipple and areola, which are coded separately.
Example 1: A patient presents with an asymmetrical lesion on the skin of the breast that has changed in color and size over several months. A biopsy confirms a malignant neoplasm not otherwise specified. The code C44.591 is used., A patient with a history of breast cancer develops a new skin lesion on the breast. Biopsy reveals a malignant neoplasm not classified under other specific types of breast skin cancer.C44.591 is applied., A patient undergoes a mastectomy and subsequent reconstruction. During follow-up, a new growth is discovered on the reconstructed breast skin.Following biopsy, the diagnosis is a malignant tumor not otherwise categorized, making C44.591 the appropriate code.
Documentation should include detailed descriptions of the lesion's appearance, size, location, biopsy results, and any other diagnostic tests performed (e.g. imaging). The documentation must also clarify that the malignancy is not classifiable under more specific codes within C44.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Oncology, Dermatology, General Surgery, Plastic Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Inpatient Hospital