ICD-10-CM Code for Dermal (Epidermal) Cyst
The ICD-10-CM code for a dermal/epidermal cyst is L72.0 (Epidermal cyst).
Coding Details
The appropriate code depends on the specific type and location of the cyst:
- L72.0 - Epidermal cyst (also called epidermoid cyst, epidermal inclusion cyst, or commonly but incorrectly "sebaceous cyst")
- L72.1 - Pilar cyst (trichilemmal cyst)
- L72.2 - Steatocystoma multiplex
- L72.3 - Sebaceous cyst (true sebaceous cyst, which is rare)
- L72.8 - Other follicular cysts of skin and subcutaneous tissue
- L72.9 - Follicular cyst of skin and subcutaneous tissue, unspecified
Important Coding Considerations
The term "sebaceous cyst" is a misnomer - what clinicians commonly call a "sebaceous cyst" is actually an epidermal (epidermoid) cyst and should be coded as L72.0 1. True sebaceous cysts (L72.3) are rare and contain sebaceous gland material rather than keratinous debris.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid:
- Don't confuse location with type: Epidermal cysts can occur anywhere on the body, including intramuscular locations 2, but the code remains L72.0 regardless of anatomical site
- Inflamed vs. non-inflamed: If the cyst is inflamed or infected, you may need an additional code for the infection/inflammation, but the primary cyst code remains the same 1
- Giant cysts: Even large epidermal cysts >5 cm still use code L72.0 3
When Documentation is Unclear:
If the clinical documentation simply states "dermal cyst" or "cutaneous cyst" without further specification, L72.0 (Epidermal cyst) is the most appropriate default code as these represent the most common type of cutaneous cyst encountered in clinical practice 4, 2.
The adapted ICD-10 system can correctly code the vast majority of dermatological diagnoses, though some emerging or newly discovered conditions may lack specific codes 5.