D48.5 — Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of skin

D48.5

ICD-10 Chapter 2: Neoplasms — illustrative image — Chapter 2: Neoplasms (C00–D49) — illustrative image

What this code means

A skin growth whose behaviour cannot be classified as clearly benign or malignant without further assessment.

Also called: skin lesion of uncertain behaviour, atypical skin lesion.

When this code is used

Used for neoplasm of uncertain behaviour of skin.

Where it sits in ICD-10-CM

Code D48.5 belongs to Chapter 2: Neoplasms, which covers codes C00–D49 in the FY2027 ICD-10-CM tabular list. The official description above is copied verbatim from the CDC/NCHS FY2027 code file.

Related anatomy

Skin

Frequently asked questions

What is ICD-10-CM code D48.5?

D48.5 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for “Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of skin”. A skin growth whose behaviour cannot be classified as clearly benign or malignant without further assessment.

When is code D48.5 used?

Used for neoplasm of uncertain behaviour of skin. It belongs to Chapter 2 of ICD-10-CM (Neoplasms).

This guide explains ICD-10-CM codes in plain language for patients, students and other readers. It is educational information only — not coding, billing or medical advice. The code recorded for any real encounter is assigned from the full clinical documentation by the treating team and qualified coders, and only they can decide which code fits a specific case.