Melanoma in situ of breast (skin) (soft tissue)

This code signifies the presence of melanoma that is confined to the epidermis (in situ) within the skin or soft tissue of the breast. It represents the earliest stage of melanoma, where the malignant cells have not yet invaded deeper tissues.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of melanoma in situ specifically located on the breast. This diagnosis is typically confirmed by a pathology report following a biopsy or excision of a suspicious lesion.

• Ensure the pathology report explicitly states "in situ" and specifies the breast as the anatomical site.
• Do not use this code for invasive melanoma of the breast; refer to codes in the C43 series for invasive melanoma.
• Distinguish from benign nevi or other non-melanoma skin cancers of the breast.