C82.51

HCC Category Mapping

What This Code Means

A type of cancer of the lymph system (diffuse follicle center lymphoma) located in the lymph nodes of the head, face, and neck area.

Coding Tips

• •Verify documentation specifies head, face, and neck involvement versus other sites
• •Head and neck involvement may affect treatment planning and prognosis differently than other sites

Clinical Significance

Diffuse follicle center lymphoma involving head, face, and neck lymph nodes represents a localized presentation that may offer a more favorable prognosis if limited to a single nodal region (stage I-II). Head and neck lymphadenopathy from lymphoma requires differentiation from the much more common reactive lymphadenopathy and other head and neck malignancies. Early-stage disease in this region may be amenable to involved-field radiation therapy.

Documentation Requirements

• ✓Pathology confirming diffuse follicle center lymphoma histology
• ✓Specific identification of which head, face, or neck lymph nodes are involved (cervical, submandibular, preauricular, etc.)
• ✓Imaging (CT or PET/CT) documenting the extent of disease in the head and neck region
• ✓Documentation of whether disease is limited to head/neck or involves other regions
• ✓Biopsy results with immunophenotyping

Commonly Confused Codes