C84.A4
BillableCutaneous T-cell lymphoma, unspecified, lymph nodes of axilla and upper limb
HCC Category Mapping
V28HCC 20 — Lung and Other Severe Cancers
0.000V24HCC 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 cancer of T cells that primarily affects the skin with involvement of lymph nodes in the armpits and upper arms.
Coding Tips
- •Axillary lymph nodes are located in the armpit region; upper limb includes shoulder and arm nodes
- •Verify documentation specifies axillary or upper limb lymph node involvement
Clinical Significance
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, unspecified, involving axillary and upper limb lymph nodes indicates skin-primary T-cell lymphoma with peripheral nodal spread. Axillary lymphadenopathy in CTCL patients can represent dermatopathic changes (reactive) or true lymphomatous involvement, and this distinction significantly impacts staging and treatment. Node biopsy may be needed to differentiate.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Skin biopsy confirming cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
- ✓Physical examination or imaging documenting axillary/upper limb node involvement
- ✓Node biopsy distinguishing dermatopathic lymphadenopathy from lymphomatous involvement
- ✓TNMB staging incorporating nodal status
- ✓Documentation of skin disease extent and stage
Commonly Confused Codes
C84.04 — Mycosis fungoides, axilla/upper limb lymph nodes: If mycosis fungoides is specifically diagnosedC84.94 — Mature T/NK-cell lymphoma, unspecified, axilla/upper limb: General T/NK lymphoma without cutaneous primaryC84.44 — PTCL-NOS, axilla/upper limb: Primary nodal T-cell lymphomaC84.74 — ALCL ALK-negative, axilla/upper limb: Specific subtype
Code Hierarchy
└C84Mature T/NK-cell lymphomas└C84.ACutaneous T-cell lymphoma, unspecified└C84.A4Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, unspecified, lymph nodes of axilla and upper limb
└C84.A4Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, unspecified, lymph nodes of axilla and upper limb