C81.00

Billable

Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma, unspecified site

HCC Category Mapping

V28HCC 21 — Breast, Prostate, Colorectal and Other Cancers and Tumors

0.545

V24HCC 10 — Lymphoma and Other Cancers

0.675

ESRDHCC 10 — Lymphoma and Other Cancers

0.000

RxHCCHCC 21 — Hodgkin Lymphoma and Other Cancers

0.000

What This Code Means

A specific type of Hodgkin lymphoma (blood cancer) characterized by nodular lymphocyte predominance, affecting lymph nodes but the specific location is not documented.

Coding Tips

•If lymph node location is documented, use a more specific code (C81.01-C81.09) rather than C81.00
•Verify pathology report confirms nodular lymphocyte predominant subtype

Clinical Significance

Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) at an unspecified site is a distinct subtype of Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by 'popcorn cells' (lymphocyte-predominant cells) rather than classic Reed-Sternberg cells. NLPHL accounts for approximately 5% of all Hodgkin lymphoma cases, tends to present at an early stage, and has an excellent long-term prognosis with greater than 90% 10-year survival. However, it carries a risk of late relapse and potential transformation to aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Documentation Requirements

✓Pathology report confirming nodular lymphocyte predominant subtype (not classic Hodgkin lymphoma)
✓Immunohistochemistry showing CD20+, CD15-, CD30- pattern (differentiates from classic Hodgkin)
✓Staging workup (Ann Arbor staging system)
✓Documentation of involved lymph node site(s) — query for specificity to avoid unspecified code
✓Treatment approach (watch-and-wait for Stage IA, radiation, rituximab, or chemotherapy)
✓B-symptoms status (fever, night sweats, weight loss)

Commonly Confused Codes

C81.10-C81.19 — Nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma: Most common classic Hodgkin subtype; completely different histology and immunophenotype from NLPHL C81.01-C81.09 — Site-specific NLPHL codes: Use these more specific codes when the lymph node location is documented C85.10 — Unspecified B-cell lymphoma: NLPHL is a B-cell neoplasm but has its own specific coding C81.0A — NLPHL in remission: Use when remission status is documented

Code Hierarchy

└C81Hodgkin lymphoma └C81.0Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma └C81.00Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma, unspecified site

└C81.00Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma, unspecified site