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  2. ICD-10-CM Codes List
  3. C00–D49
  4. C00-C14
  5. Malignant neoplasm of other and unspecified parts of tongue (C02)

Malignant neoplasm of other and unspecified parts of tongue (C02)

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.

Instructional Notations

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.

  • code to identify:
  • alcohol abuse and dependence F10
  • history of tobacco dependence Z87.891
  • tobacco dependence F17
  • tobacco use Z72.0

Clinical Terms

The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.

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)