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    OpenPayerBilling CodesMelanoma and other malignant neoplasms of skinICD-10-CM c43-malignant-melanoma-of-skin
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    ICD-10-CM Code For Malignant Melanoma Of Skin: Group Overview

    The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) code group C43 includes malignant melanomas of the skin, covering primary cutaneous melanomas at specific anatomic sites and codes indicating regional or distant spread. These ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes are used to document tumor location, laterality, and extent of disease, capturing clinical detail such as metastasis and recurrence when present. Accurate coding within the ICD-10-CM C43 group supports proper claim adjudication, complete clinical documentation, and appropriate reimbursement.

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    ICD-10-CM C43: Malignant Melanoma Of Skin Overview

    The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) code group C43 represents malignant melanoma arising in the skin, a primary cutaneous cancer originating from melanocytes. These diagnoses target the integumentary system and include site-specific and metastatic designations that reflect tumor location and extent. Accurate coding is important for clinical communication, epidemiology, and for ensuring appropriate reimbursement through correct documentation of disease stage and involvement.

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    When to Use

    Use a code from this group when documenting a diagnosis of cutaneous malignant melanoma, specifying the anatomic site and any documented metastasis or extension. Select the most specific code available based on clinical documentation, including laterality and presence of secondary malignant neoplasms when applicable.

    ICD-10-CM Codes

    24 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    C43.0Malignant melanoma of lip
    C43.10Malignant melanoma of unspecified eyelid, including canthus
    C43.111Malignant melanoma of right upper eyelid, including canthus
    C43.112Malignant melanoma of right lower eyelid, including canthus
    C43.121Malignant melanoma of left upper eyelid, including canthus
    C43.122Malignant melanoma of left lower eyelid, including canthus
    C43.20Malignant melanoma of unspecified ear and external auricular canal
    C43.21Malignant melanoma of right ear and external auricular canal
    C43.22Malignant melanoma of left ear and external auricular canal
    C43.30Malignant melanoma of unspecified part of face
    C43.31Malignant melanoma of nose
    C43.39Malignant melanoma of other parts of face
    C43.4Malignant melanoma of scalp and neck
    C43.51Malignant melanoma of anal skin
    C43.52Malignant melanoma of skin of breast
    C43.59Malignant melanoma of other part of trunk
    C43.60Malignant melanoma of unspecified upper limb, including shoulder
    C43.61Malignant melanoma of right upper limb, including shoulder
    C43.62Malignant melanoma of left upper limb, including shoulder
    C43.70Malignant melanoma of unspecified lower limb, including hip

    Showing 1–20 of 24

    DRG Codes

    4 rows

    DRG CodeDescription
    124Other Disorders of the Eye with MCC or Thrombolytic Agent
    125Other Disorders of the Eye without MCC
    595Major Skin Disorders with MCC
    596Major Skin Disorders without MCC

    Typical Clinical Scenarios

    • An elderly patient presents to dermatology after noticing a rapidly enlarging, irregular pigmented lesion on the scalp that has developed recent ulceration and bleeding; biopsy confirms an invasive malignant melanoma with nodular features and depth consistent with primary tumor. The visit is for initial staging and treatment planning of a primary cutaneous melanoma on the scalp, so a code for melanoma of scalp is assigned. Typical codes: C43.7, C43.71.
    • A middle-aged patient with a history of melanoma of the upper back treated years ago now presents with a new pigmented lesion on the left shoulder that biopsy shows as superficial spreading melanoma in situ versus invasive superficial melanoma; clinician documents malignant melanoma of the skin of the shoulder for ongoing surveillance and management. This chronic/ongoing skin cancer care encounter is coded to the site-specific melanoma of the shoulder region. Typical codes: C43.4, C43.39.
    • An emergency department patient arrives with acute hemorrhage and a painful, rapidly enlarging pigmented mass on the face; imaging and biopsy confirm metastatic involvement of the skin of the face from malignant melanoma, requiring urgent oncology and surgical consultation for local control and symptom management. Because this is a malignant melanoma affecting the facial skin with acute complication, a face-specific melanoma code is used. Typical codes: C43.1, C43.11.

    Related Codes

    C44-OTHER-AND-UNSPECIFIED-SKIN-MALIGNANCY

    ICD-10-CM Code For Other And Unspecified Malignant Neoplasm Of Skin: Group Overview

    C4A-MERKEL-CELL-CARCINOMA

    ICD-10-CM Code For Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Group Overview

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
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