Malignant melanoma of unsp ear and external auricular canal

This code signifies a primary cancerous tumor originating from melanocytes, located on the external ear or within the external auditory canal, where the specific side (left or right) is not documented. This aggressive form of skin cancer can arise from existing moles or appear as new lesions.

Apply this code when documentation confirms a malignant melanoma of the ear or external auricular canal, but the laterality (left or right) is not specified. This is often seen in pathology reports or initial diagnostic notes before laterality is definitively determined or if the physician simply omits it.

• Always seek clarification from the provider if laterality is missing, as more specific codes exist (C43.21, C43.22).
• Do not use this code if the melanoma is metastatic to the ear; instead, code the primary site and the secondary malignancy.
• Distinguish from benign melanocytic nevi (D22.-) or other malignant skin neoplasms (C44.-) of the ear.