Malignant melanoma of skin of breast

This code represents a primary malignant melanoma originating in the skin of the female breast. It signifies a cancerous growth of melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells, specifically located on the external skin surface of the breast, not within the breast tissue itself.

Use this code when documentation confirms a primary diagnosis of malignant melanoma affecting the skin of the breast. This applies to cases where a biopsy or pathology report identifies melanoma and specifies its anatomical location as the skin of the breast.

• Differentiate from melanoma of the nipple and areola (C43.51) or melanoma of the trunk (C43.59) if the breast is not specified.
• Ensure the documentation clearly states "skin of breast" to avoid miscoding to melanoma of the breast (C43.81) which implies deeper tissue involvement.
• Always sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter, followed by any relevant secondary codes for laterality, stage, or complications.