D03.4

Billable

Melanoma in situ of scalp and neck

HCC Category Mapping

V28HCC 23 — Melanoma and Other Skin Cancers

0.251

V24HCC 12 — Breast, Prostate, and Other Cancers and Tumors

0.150

ESRDHCC 12 — Breast, Prostate, and Other Cancers and Tumors

0.000

RxHCCHCC 22 — Cancer, Other Specified Sites

0.000

What This Code Means

Early-stage melanoma confined to the skin surface on the scalp or neck area, before spreading to deeper tissue layers.

Coding Tips

•This code covers both scalp and neck locations; document which specific area (scalp vs. neck) in the medical record for clinical clarity
•Scalp melanomas may have different prognosis considerations compared to other body sites

Clinical Significance

Melanoma in situ of the scalp and neck represents early-stage melanocytic malignancy confined to the epidermis of these sun-exposed areas. Scalp melanomas are associated with poorer outcomes when they progress to invasive disease compared to other body sites, making early detection at the in situ stage particularly valuable. The scalp is often a hidden site where melanoma may go undetected due to hair coverage.

Documentation Requirements

✓Biopsy-confirmed melanoma in situ with documentation of the specific location (scalp vs.
✓posterior neck vs.
✓lateral neck).
✓Margin status after excision is critical, particularly on the scalp where subclinical extension is common.
✓Document any challenges related to hair-bearing skin and the chosen excision technique.

Commonly Confused Codes

D03.39 (melanoma in situ of other parts of face) covers facial sites but not the scalp or neck D03.59 (melanoma in situ of other part of trunk) may overlap at the posterior neck-upper back junction C43.4 (invasive melanoma of scalp and neck) indicates dermal invasion has occurred.

Code Hierarchy

└D03Melanoma in situ └D03.4Melanoma in situ of scalp and neck

└D03.4Melanoma in situ of scalp and neck