Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of tongue

This code signifies a cancerous tumor that spans across multiple distinct anatomical subsites of the tongue, making it impossible to assign to a single, specific subsite. This includes malignancies that originate in one area and extend into adjacent tongue regions, or tumors that are multifocal and involve several areas simultaneously.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a malignant neoplasm affecting more than one defined area of the tongue, such as the base, tip, dorsal surface, or lateral border. This code is appropriate when the physician explicitly states "overlapping sites of tongue" or describes a tumor that cannot be localized to a single subsite.

• Do not use this code if the tumor is confined to a single, identifiable subsite of the tongue; instead, use the more specific code for that subsite.
• Ensure the medical record explicitly supports the involvement of multiple, overlapping tongue sites.
• Always sequence this code as the primary diagnosis if it is the reason for the encounter.