2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C44.9

by

Other and unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin, unspecified

  • C44.9 should not be used for reimbursement purposes as there are multiple codes below it that contain a greater level of detail.
  • Short description: Other and unsp malignant neoplasm of skin, unspecified
  • The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM C44.9 became effective on October 1, 2023.
  • This is the American ICD-10-CM version of C44.9 – other international versions of ICD-10 C44.9 may differ.

The following code(s) above C44.9 contain annotation back-references

 that may be applicable to C44.9:

  • C00-D49  Neoplasms
  • C44  Other and unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin

Approximate Synonyms

  • Basal cell carcinoma of skin
  • Cancer of the skin
  • Cancer of the skin, adenocarcinoma
  • Cancer of the skin, basal cell
  • Cancer of the skin, squamous cell
  • Cancer, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
  • Cancer, skin, not melanoma
  • Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
  • Extramammary paget’s disease of skin
  • Extramammary pagets of skin
  • Malignant neoplasm of skin
  • Microcystic adnexal carcinoma
  • Muir torre syndrome w malignant sebaceous neoplasm
  • Primary adenocarcinoma of skin
  • Primary malignant neoplasm of skin, excluding melanoma
  • Sebaceous adenocarcinoma
  • Sebaceous carcinoma
  • Squamous cell carcinoma of skin
  • Torr?-muir syndrome with malignant sebaceous neoplasm

Clinical Information

  • A primary or metastatic tumor involving the skin. Primary malignant skin tumors most often are carcinomas (either basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas that arise from cells in the epidermis) or melanomas that arise from pigment-containing skin melanocytes. Metastatic tumors to the skin include carcinomas and lymphomas.
  • Cancer that forms in the tissues of the skin. There are several types of skin cancer. Skin cancer that forms in melanocytes (skin cells that make pigment) is called melanoma. Skin cancer that forms in the lower part of the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) is called basal cell carcinoma. Skin cancer that forms in squamous cells (flat cells that form the surface of the skin) is called squamous cell carcinoma. Skin cancer that forms in neuroendocrine cells (cells that release hormones in response to signals from the nervous system) is called neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. Most skin cancers form in older people on parts of the body exposed to the sun or in people who have weakened immune systems.
  • Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The two most common types are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer. They usually form on the head, face, neck, hands and arms. Another type of skin cancer, melanoma, is more dangerous but less common. Anyone can get skin cancer, but it is more common in people who
    • spend a lot of time in the sun or have been sunburned
    • have light-colored skin, hair and eyes
    • have a family member with skin cancer
    • are over age 50
    you should have your doctor check any suspicious skin markings and any changes in the way your skin looks. Treatment is more likely to work well when cancer is found early. If not treated, some types of skin cancer cells can spread to other tissues and organs. nih: national cancer institute

Code History

  • 2016 (effective 10/1/2015): New code (first year of non-draft ICD-10-CM)
  • 2017 (effective 10/1/2016): No change
  • 2018 (effective 10/1/2017): No change
  • 2019 (effective 10/1/2018): No change
  • 2020 (effective 10/1/2019): No change
  • 2021 (effective 10/1/2020): No change
  • 2022 (effective 10/1/2021): No change
  • 2023 (effective 10/1/2022): No change
  • 2024 (effective 10/1/2023): No change