C81.04
BillableNodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma, lymph nodes of axilla and upper limb
HCC Category Mapping
V28HCC 21 — Breast, Prostate, Colorectal and Other Cancers and Tumors
0.545V24HCC 10 — Lymphoma and Other Cancers
0.675ESRDHCC 10 — Lymphoma and Other Cancers
0.000RxHCCHCC 21 — Hodgkin Lymphoma and Other Cancers
0.000What This Code Means
A type of Hodgkin lymphoma (blood cancer) that starts in the lymph nodes of the armpit and upper arm area, characterized by a specific pattern of lymphocyte-predominant cells.
Coding Tips
- •Verify the specific site of involvement is documented as axilla and upper limb before assigning this code
- •Confirm the histological type is nodular lymphocyte predominant, not nodular sclerosis or other variants
Clinical Significance
Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma involving axillary and upper limb lymph nodes represents a common peripheral lymph node presentation for this subtype. Axillary lymphadenopathy is a frequent finding in NLPHL and may present as painless swelling discovered on physical exam. This localized presentation often indicates early-stage disease with an excellent prognosis and may be managed with involved-site radiation alone.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Pathology confirming NLPHL subtype
- ✓Physical exam and imaging documenting axillary and/or upper limb lymph node involvement
- ✓Laterality (right, left, or bilateral) documented
- ✓Staging workup to assess for disease elsewhere
- ✓Treatment plan appropriate for the stage of disease
Commonly Confused Codes
C81.14 — Nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma, axilla/upper limb: Different histologic subtype; pathology must confirm NLPHLC81.00 — NLPHL, unspecified site: Use C81.04 when axillary involvement is specifically documentedC83.34 — Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, axilla/upper limb: Different lymphoma or may indicate NLPHL transformationC85.14 — Unspecified B-cell lymphoma, axilla/upper limb: NLPHL should be coded with its specific code