C84.71
BillableAnaplastic large cell lymphoma, ALK-negative, lymph nodes of head, face, and neck
HCC Category Mapping
V28HCC 19 — Lymphoma and Other Cancers
0.105V24HCC 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 type of aggressive lymphoma (cancer of immune cells) without a specific genetic marker (ALK-negative) that is located in the lymph nodes of the head, face, and neck region.
Coding Tips
- •Verify the specific lymph node involvement (cervical, supraclavicular, etc.) in the pathology or imaging reports for documentation accuracy
- •Distinguish between unilateral and bilateral involvement if documented, though this code does not differentiate laterality
Clinical Significance
Anaplastic large cell lymphoma, ALK-negative, involving head, face, and neck lymph nodes indicates aggressive T-cell lymphoma without the favorable ALK marker presenting in cervical or facial nodal regions. Cervical lymphadenopathy is a common presentation and must be biopsied to distinguish from reactive causes, metastatic carcinoma, or other lymphoma subtypes. ALK-negative status portends worse outcomes requiring more aggressive management.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Pathology with ALCL morphology (hallmark cells, CD30+) and documented ALK-negative status
- ✓Physical exam or imaging confirming head, face, or neck lymph node involvement
- ✓Specific nodal groups identified (cervical, submandibular, preauricular, etc.)
- ✓T-cell immunophenotype confirmed
- ✓Clinical staging
Commonly Confused Codes
C84.61 — ALCL ALK-positive, head/face/neck: Better prognosis; verify ALK statusC84.41 — PTCL-NOS, head/face/neck: Different T-cell lymphoma subtype lacking ALCL morphologyC81.91 — Hodgkin lymphoma, unspecified, head/face/neck: CD30+ but B-cell origin; different immunophenotypeC84.91 — Mature T/NK-cell lymphoma, unspecified, head/face/neck: Less specific; use ALCL code when confirmed
Code Hierarchy
└C84Mature T/NK-cell lymphomas└C84.7Anaplastic large cell lymphoma, ALK-negative└C84.71Anaplastic large cell lymphoma, ALK-negative, lymph nodes of head, face, and neck
└C84.71Anaplastic large cell lymphoma, ALK-negative, lymph nodes of head, face, and neck