Malignant melanoma of skin of ear and external auditory canal

This code signifies a cancerous tumor originating from melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) located on the skin of the ear, including the auricle, or within the external auditory canal. It represents a primary malignant neoplasm of the skin in this specific anatomical site.

Apply this code when documentation confirms a diagnosis of malignant melanoma affecting the skin of the ear or external auditory canal. This typically follows a biopsy and histopathological confirmation of melanoma in this region.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "melanoma" and specifies the ear or external auditory canal as the primary site.
• Distinguish from benign nevi or other non-melanoma skin cancers of the ear, which have different code assignments.
• Code any secondary metastases separately, following the primary melanoma code.