Malignant melanoma of lip

This code signifies a cancerous tumor originating from melanocytes, specifically located on the cutaneous (skin) portion of the lip, excluding the vermilion border. It represents a primary malignant melanoma affecting the outer skin of the lip.

Apply this code when documentation confirms a diagnosis of malignant melanoma on the skin of the lip, distinct from the mucosal or vermilion areas. This is typically supported by pathology reports detailing melanoma and its specific location on the lip's cutaneous surface.

• Differentiate carefully between the cutaneous lip and the vermilion border; the latter has a distinct code series.
• Ensure documentation specifies "lip" and clarifies the cutaneous involvement to avoid miscoding with oral cavity melanomas.
• Always sequence this as a primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter or treatment.