C85.94
BillableNon-Hodgkin lymphoma, unspecified, lymph nodes of axilla and upper limb
HCC Category Mapping
V28HCC 21 — Breast, Prostate, Colorectal and Other Cancers and Tumors
0.545V24HCC 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
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma of unspecified type affecting the lymph nodes in the armpits and upper arms.
Coding Tips
- •Axillary lymph nodes are in the armpit region; upper limb includes nodes in the arm and shoulder area
- •Ensure documentation specifies upper extremity lymph node involvement
Clinical Significance
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma of unspecified type in the axillary and upper limb lymph nodes involves malignant proliferation in a superficially accessible nodal group. Axillary lymphadenopathy is a common presentation for NHL and is often detected on physical examination or during workup for other conditions. The axillary location facilitates biopsy and histologic diagnosis compared to deep nodal sites.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Documentation must specify lymph node involvement in the axilla or upper extremity.
- ✓Physical exam findings describing nodal size, consistency, and mobility should be recorded.
- ✓Pathology results from biopsy, imaging confirmation, disease stage, and treatment response must be documented.
Commonly Confused Codes
C85.91 (NHL, lymph nodes of head, face, and neck) involves different anatomical regions.C85.95 (inguinal region and lower limb) involves the opposite extremity nodal chain.C77.3 (secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of axillary lymph nodes) is for metastatic disease from a solid tumor primary, not primary lymphoma.
Code Hierarchy
└C85Other specified and unspecified types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma└C85.9Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, unspecified└C85.94Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, unspecified, lymph nodes of axilla and upper limb
└C85.94Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, unspecified, lymph nodes of axilla and upper limb