ICD-10 Code C02 – Malignant neoplasm of other and unspecified parts of tongue (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C02 – Malignant neoplasm of other and unspecified parts of tongue
What it is
C02 identifies a malignant tumor of the tongue when the site is not the tip, base, or another more specific tongue subsite. Use it for documented cancers involving other or unspecified parts of the tongue.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common findings may include a persistent tongue lesion, ulcer, pain, bleeding, or difficulty chewing or speaking, with diagnosis confirmed by clinical evaluation and pathology.
When to use this code
Use C02 when the record states tongue cancer but does not name a more specific tongue location. It also fits cases documented as malignant neoplasm of other or unspecified parts of the tongue. If the site is identified elsewhere in the chart, code the more specific subsite instead.
Do not use for
Do not use C02 for benign tongue lesions or for cancers clearly documented at the tip, base, or another specific tongue site. Check documentation if the anatomic subsite is unclear.
Coding tip
Always verify the exact tongue subsite in the pathology, operative, or oncology note before assigning C02.