ICD-10 Code C02.2 – Malignant neoplasm of ventral surface of tongue (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C02.2 – Malignant neoplasm of ventral surface of tongue
What it is
C02.2 identifies a malignant neoplasm arising on the ventral, or underside, surface of the tongue. Use it when documentation specifies cancer in this exact tongue location.
Clinical signs
Findings may include a persistent tongue ulcer, mass, pain, bleeding, or difficulty speaking or swallowing. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use C02.2 when the provider documents primary cancer of the ventral surface of the tongue, including biopsy-confirmed or clinically diagnosed disease. It also applies when the note clearly localizes the malignancy to the underside of the tongue. Check documentation if the site is described only as “tongue” or if another oral site is involved.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for benign tongue lesions, dysplasia, or cancers of other tongue subsites such as the dorsal surface or base of tongue. Do not guess the site if the record is unclear.
Coding tip
Confirm the exact anatomic site in the pathology or provider note before assigning C02.2.