Malignant neoplasm of upper lip, vermilion border

This code signifies a cancerous tumor originating in the skin or mucosal lining of the upper lip, specifically involving the vermilion border. This is a primary malignancy, meaning it originated in this location rather than spreading from another site.

Apply this code when documentation confirms a primary malignant neoplasm definitively located on the upper lip, with specific mention of involvement of the vermilion border. Supporting documentation includes pathology reports confirming malignancy, physician notes detailing the tumor's location, and imaging studies.

• Differentiate from malignant neoplasms of the skin of the lip (e.g., outer surface) versus the vermilion border.
• Ensure the documentation specifies "upper lip" as opposed to "lower lip" or "lip, unspecified part."
• Verify that the neoplasm is primary; if metastatic, a secondary malignancy code would be more appropriate.