C84.61
BillableAnaplastic large cell lymphoma, ALK-positive, lymph nodes of head, face, and neck
HCC Category Mapping
What This Code Means
This is a type of aggressive blood cancer that starts in immune cells and is found in the lymph nodes of the head, face, and neck area. The cancer cells have a specific genetic marker (ALK-positive) that helps doctors identify and treat this particular type.
Coding Tips
- •Verify the ALK status is documented as positive in the pathology report before assigning this code; ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma uses a different code (C84.71)
- •Confirm the anatomical site is specifically the lymph nodes of the head, face, and neck region; other sites of involvement require different codes (C84.62-C84.69)
Clinical Significance
Anaplastic large cell lymphoma, ALK-positive, involving head, face, and neck lymph nodes is an aggressive T-cell lymphoma in a specific anatomical distribution. Cervical lymphadenopathy is one of the most common presentations of ALCL, and ALK positivity indicates favorable prognosis compared to ALK-negative disease. Head and neck nodal involvement may affect airway, swallowing, or cranial nerve function depending on extent.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Pathology confirming ALCL with hallmark cells and ALK positivity on immunohistochemistry
- ✓CD30 expression documented
- ✓Imaging or physical exam specifying head, face, or neck lymph node involvement (cervical, submandibular, preauricular, etc.)
- ✓Clinical staging
- ✓T-cell immunophenotype confirmed