Malignant neoplasm of other and unspecified parts of tongue (C02) ICD-10-CM
The C02 code range covers malignant neoplasm of other and unspecified parts of tongue with 8 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 7 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Use Additional Code
The “use additional code” indicates that a secondary code could be used to further specify the patient’s condition. This note is not mandatory and is only used if enough information is available to assign an additional code.
Codes in the C02 Range 8 codes · 7 billable
- C02 Malignant neoplasm of other and unspecified parts of tongueNon-billable
- C02.0 Malignant neoplasm of dorsal surface of tongue
- C02.1 Malignant neoplasm of border of tongue
- C02.2 Malignant neoplasm of ventral surface of tongue
- C02.3 Malignant neoplasm of anterior two-thirds of tongue, part unspecified
- C02.4 Malignant neoplasm of lingual tonsil
- C02.8 Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of tongue
- C02.9 Malignant neoplasm of tongue, unspecified
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the C02 range.
Ankyloglossia
A severe congenital restriction of TONGUE movement, resulting from fusion or adherence of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. In partial ankyloglossia (tongue-tie) the LINGUAL FRENUM is abnormally short, or is attached too close to the tip of the tongue. OMIM: 106280
Bluetongue
A reovirus infection, chiefly of sheep, characterized by a swollen blue tongue, catarrhal inflammation of upper respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, and often by inflammation of sensitive laminae of the feet and coronet.
Body Piercing
The perforation of an anatomical region for the wearing of jewelry.
Electronic Nose
A device used to detect airborne odors, gases, flavors, volatile substances or vapors.
Fasciculation
Involuntary contraction of the muscle fibers innervated by a motor unit. Fasciculations may be visualized as a muscle twitch or dimpling under the skin, but usually do not generate sufficient force to move a limb. They may represent a benign condition or occur as a manifestation of MOTOR NEURON DISEASE or PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DISEASES. (Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p1294)
Glossitis, Benign Migratory
An idiopathic disorder of the tongue characterized by the loss of filiform papillae leaving reddened areas of circinate macules bound by a white band. The lesions heal, then others erupt.
Medicine, Chinese Traditional
A system of traditional medicine which is based on the beliefs and practices of the Chinese culture.
Oral Frenectomy
Surgical procedures to release or remove abnormally short or tightly attached frenum (e.g., LINGUAL FRENUM or LABIAL FRENUM) associated with a pathological condition (e.g., TONGUE TIE and lip tie).
Pentastomida
A subclass of CRUSTACEA comprising the tongue worms which are obligatory parasites of reptiles, birds, and mammals including humans.
Tongue
A muscular organ in the mouth that is covered with pink tissue called mucosa, tiny bumps called papillae, and thousands of taste buds. The tongue is anchored to the mouth and is vital for chewing, swallowing, and for speech.
Tongue Diseases
Diseases involving the TONGUE.
Tongue Habits
Acquired responses regularly manifested by tongue movement or positioning.
Tongue Neoplasms
Tumors or cancer of the TONGUE.
Tongue, Fissured
The occurrence of of breaks or slits in the tissue of the dorsal surface of the TONGUE.
Tongue, Hairy
A benign condition of the tongue characterized by hypertrophy of the filiform papillae that give the dorsum of the tongue a furry appearance. The color of the elongated papillae varies from yellowish white to brown or black, depending upon staining by substances such as tobacco, food, or drugs. (Dorland, 27th ed)
About the C02 Code Range
The ICD-10 code C02 represents malignant tumors located in various specific and unspecified parts of the tongue. These codes are used to classify different types of tongue cancer based on the exact area affected.
This section includes detailed subcodes such as C02.0 for cancers on the dorsal surface (top) of the tongue, often termed primary carcinoma of the anterior two-thirds; C02.1 for malignancies on the border or lateral edge of the tongue; and C02.2 for tumors on the ventral (underside) surface, including the frenum linguae. C02.4 codes malignant neoplasm of the lingual tonsil, while C02.8 is used for overlapping sites involving junctional zones of the tongue. The unspecified subcode C02.9 covers tongue cancers without a more precise location. These codes are essential for identifying exact cancer locations such as squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue or tongue carcinoma, helping clinicians and coders target diagnosis and treatment accurately.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the C02 range?
Of the 8 codes in this range, 7 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the C02 range classify?
The range classifies malignant neoplasm of other and unspecified parts of tongue. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
