C82.54

HCC Category Mapping

What This Code Means

This is a type of blood cancer (lymphoma) that starts in the lymph nodes located in the armpit and upper arm area. The cancer cells grow slowly and spread through the lymph node tissue in these specific locations.

Coding Tips

• •Verify the anatomical site is specifically the axilla and upper limb lymph nodes, as other sites have different codes (C82.5x with different 5th characters)
• •Confirm the lymphoma type is diffuse follicle center lymphoma and not another subtype, as C82 has multiple subtypes requiring different codes

Clinical Significance

Diffuse follicle center lymphoma involving axillary and upper limb lymph nodes often presents as painless lymphadenopathy discovered on physical exam or incidentally on imaging. Axillary lymphadenopathy requires differentiation from breast cancer metastases, melanoma, and reactive causes. Upper limb lymph node involvement may cause lymphedema and functional limitations. This localized presentation may indicate early-stage disease if limited to a single nodal region.

Documentation Requirements

• ✓Pathology confirming diffuse follicle center lymphoma
• ✓Documentation of specific axillary or upper limb lymph node involvement
• ✓Laterality (right, left, or bilateral) of lymph node involvement
• ✓Imaging confirmation with measurements
• ✓Assessment for upper extremity lymphedema or neurovascular compromise
• ✓Staging documentation to determine if disease is limited to this region

Commonly Confused Codes