Median rhomboid glossitis

Median rhomboid glossitis is a benign, chronic inflammatory condition of the tongue characterized by a well-demarcated, erythematous, rhomboid or oval-shaped lesion on the dorsal midline of the tongue, anterior to the circumvallate papillae. This condition is often asymptomatic but can sometimes present with mild discomfort or a burning sensation. It is frequently associated with chronic Candida albicans infection.

Use this code when documentation clearly identifies a diagnosis of median rhomboid glossitis. This diagnosis is typically made clinically based on the characteristic appearance and location of the lesion. Supporting documentation would include notes from an oral examination describing the lesion's morphology, location, and any associated symptoms.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "median rhomboid glossitis" and not a general glossitis or other tongue lesion.
• Consider co-reporting B37.0 (Oral candidiasis) if a fungal infection is confirmed or strongly suspected as an underlying cause.
• Do not confuse with other forms of glossitis or geographic tongue, which have distinct clinical presentations and separate codes.