K13: Other diseases of lip and oral mucosa
K13.2: Leukoplakia and other disturbances of oral epithelium, including tongue
The mucous membrane is a moist skin. The whole of the oral cavity is lined with mucous membrane.
Changes in the mucous membrane can appear as patches or stripes. The patches or stripes may be reddish or whitish.
It is not always possible to find a cause for changes to the mucous membrane. Possible causes include smoking and drinking alcohol, for example. One can also get changes to the mucous membrane if one does not take good enough care of one's teeth. If the mucous membrane is irritated, over a long period of time, by pressure or rubbing, changes can also occur. These changes can occur in the gum, tongue or other places in the oral cavity.
Patient Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended for self-diagnosis and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns about your health.
If you see an ICD diagnosis code (e.g., on a medical report), be aware that doctors may also include additional indicators to express diagnostic certainty. Only a healthcare professional can interpret these codes accurately in the context of your individual case.
For a complete understanding of your condition and what the diagnosis means for you, please speak directly with your doctor.