Plicated tongue

Plicated tongue, also known as fissured or scrotal tongue, is a benign condition characterized by numerous grooves or furrows on the dorsal surface of the tongue. These fissures can vary in depth and pattern, giving the tongue a wrinkled or folded appearance. The condition is typically asymptomatic but can sometimes lead to food debris accumulation and mild irritation.

This code is used when documentation explicitly states a diagnosis of plicated, fissured, or scrotal tongue. It is appropriate for reporting the presence of this anatomical variation, whether identified incidentally during an oral examination or as a chief complaint if symptoms like irritation are present. Documentation should clearly describe the characteristic fissured appearance.

• Do not confuse with geographic tongue (migratory glossitis), which involves irregular red patches and white borders.
• Typically a secondary diagnosis unless it is the primary reason for the encounter due to associated symptoms.
• Ensure the medical record clearly distinguishes from other tongue anomalies or inflammatory conditions.