Malignant melanoma of nose

This code represents a primary malignant melanoma originating on the skin of the nose. It signifies an aggressive form of skin cancer characterized by uncontrolled growth of melanocytes, specifically located on the external nasal structures.

This code is appropriate when documentation confirms a biopsy-proven malignant melanoma with its primary site identified as the nose. It should be used for initial diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up encounters for this specific malignancy. Supporting documentation includes pathology reports, operative notes detailing tumor excision from the nose, and physician notes confirming the diagnosis and location.

• Ensure the pathology report explicitly states "malignant melanoma" and specifies the "nose" as the primary site.
• Distinguish from benign nevi or other non-melanoma skin cancers of the nose; these require different codes.
• Code additional sites of melanoma or metastatic disease separately, following sequencing guidelines for primary and secondary malignancies.