C81.34
BillableLymphocyte depleted 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 rare type of Hodgkin lymphoma (lymphocyte depleted variant) affecting lymph nodes in the armpits and upper arms.
Coding Tips
- •Confirm the site involves axillary or upper limb lymph nodes specifically
- •Document whether involvement is unilateral or bilateral when possible
Clinical Significance
Lymphocyte depleted Hodgkin lymphoma involving axillary and upper limb lymph nodes is an uncommon combination of a rare histologic subtype in a relatively accessible nodal region. Axillary presentation may be initially confused with reactive lymphadenopathy or breast cancer metastasis. The aggressive biology of the lymphocyte depleted subtype necessitates urgent biopsy confirmation and expedited staging workup.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Pathology confirming lymphocyte depleted subtype from axillary or upper limb lymph node biopsy
- ✓Physical exam or imaging documenting axillary and/or upper limb lymph node involvement
- ✓Laterality documentation (right, left, or bilateral) when available
- ✓Complete staging workup results
- ✓Provider assessment and treatment plan documented during the encounter
Commonly Confused Codes
C81.14 — Nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma, axilla/upper limb: the most common Hodgkin subtype; pathology determines the correct 5th characterC77.3 — Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of axillary lymph nodes: this code is for metastatic solid tumors, not primary lymphomaC81.44 — Lymphocyte-rich Hodgkin lymphoma, axilla/upper limb: opposite histologic pattern; verify the pathology designation carefully
Code Hierarchy
└C81Hodgkin lymphoma└C81.3Lymphocyte depleted Hodgkin lymphoma└C81.34Lymphocyte depleted Hodgkin lymphoma, lymph nodes of axilla and upper limb
└C81.34Lymphocyte depleted Hodgkin lymphoma, lymph nodes of axilla and upper limb