ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC02.8

C02.8

Billable

Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of tongue

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 C02.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of tongue.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C02.8 refers to malignant neoplasms that occur at overlapping sites of the tongue, which can include various regions such as the anterior two-thirds and posterior one-third of the tongue. These tumors can arise from squamous cells, which are the most common type of cells found in the tongue. The clinical presentation may include symptoms such as persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and changes in speech. Diagnosis typically involves a biopsy to confirm malignancy, followed by imaging studies to assess the extent of the disease. Treatment options may include surgical resection, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, depending on the stage of the cancer. The prognosis varies based on the tumor's size, location, and whether it has metastasized. Early detection is crucial for improving outcomes, and regular dental check-ups can aid in identifying suspicious lesions.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in tumor location and extent of involvement
  • Need for precise documentation of overlapping sites
  • Potential for multiple treatment modalities
  • Interdisciplinary approach involving oncology, surgery, and radiology

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of tumor size and location
  • Failure to document staging details
  • Misclassification of overlapping sites
  • Lack of clarity in treatment plans

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed pathology reports, imaging studies, and treatment plans are essential.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of tongue cancers, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate staging and treatment documentation to support coding.

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes, pre-operative assessments, and post-operative follow-ups.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical resection of tongue tumors and management of complications.

Billing Considerations

Document the extent of resection and any reconstructive procedures performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C02.8 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the tumor's location, size, and staging
  • Include any relevant treatment details and follow
  • up care

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C02.8 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

19301CPT Code

Excision, malignant tumor, tongue

Clinical Scenario

Used when a malignant neoplasm of the tongue is surgically excised.

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes detailing the extent of excision and pathology results.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngology specialists must document the surgical approach and any complications.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of tongue malignancies, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. C02.8 provides a clear designation for overlapping sites, which was less defined in ICD-9.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of tongue malignancies, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. C02.8 provides a clear designation for overlapping sites, which was less defined in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. C02.8 provides a clear designation for overlapping sites, which was less defined in ICD-9.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Cancer Society - Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Cancer Society - Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of malignant neoplasms of the tongue?

Common symptoms include persistent sores, difficulty swallowing, changes in speech, and unexplained weight loss.

How is the TNM staging system applied to tongue cancers?

The TNM system assesses tumor size (T), lymph node involvement (N), and metastasis (M) to determine the stage of cancer, which guides treatment decisions.