C81.32
BillableLymphocyte depleted Hodgkin lymphoma, intrathoracic lymph nodes
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 rare type of Hodgkin lymphoma (lymphocyte depleted variant) affecting lymph nodes in the chest area.
Coding Tips
- •Verify the specific site of involvement is documented as intrathoracic before assigning this code
- •Confirm the histological subtype is lymphocyte depleted, not another Hodgkin lymphoma variant
Clinical Significance
Lymphocyte depleted Hodgkin lymphoma involving intrathoracic lymph nodes represents a rare aggressive lymphoma subtype in a common presentation site for Hodgkin disease. Mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy may cause superior vena cava syndrome, airway compression, or pleural effusions. The aggressive subtype combined with potential for compressive symptoms drives high acute care utilization.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Pathology confirming lymphocyte depleted histologic subtype
- ✓Chest imaging (CT or PET/CT) documenting intrathoracic lymph node involvement including specific stations (mediastinal, hilar, paratracheal)
- ✓Assessment of bulky disease status (mass greater than 10 cm or greater than one-third of thoracic diameter)
- ✓Ann Arbor staging and symptom designation
- ✓Documentation of any compressive symptoms or complications
Commonly Confused Codes
C81.12 — Nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma, intrathoracic: nodular sclerosis is much more common in the mediastinum; verify the pathology subtype is truly lymphocyte depletedC81.22 — Mixed cellularity Hodgkin lymphoma, intrathoracic: different histologic pattern with a mixed inflammatory backgroundC85.22 — Mediastinal (thymic) large B-cell lymphoma, intrathoracic: this is a distinct non-Hodgkin entity common in young women with mediastinal massesC81.39 — Lymphocyte depleted Hodgkin lymphoma, extranodal sites: use C81.32 for intrathoracic lymph nodes; use C81.39 only if the lymphoma involves lung parenchyma or chest wall directly