Basal cell carcinoma of skin of lip

This code signifies a malignant neoplasm originating from the basal cells of the epidermis, specifically located on the skin of the lip. It is the most common type of skin cancer, characterized by slow growth and rare metastasis.

Use this code when documentation confirms a diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma affecting any part of the external lip skin. This includes the vermilion border and cutaneous lip, but excludes the mucosal surfaces. Pathological confirmation of basal cell carcinoma is typically required.

• Differentiate from squamous cell carcinoma of the lip, which has a different code series.
• Ensure the documentation specifies "skin of lip" to avoid confusion with internal lip or mucosal lesions.
• Laterality (right, left, unspecified) is not specified for this code, so no additional laterality code is needed.