C86.00

HCC Category Mapping

What This Code Means

A rare type of lymphoma (blood cancer) that starts in the nose and nasal passages, caused by abnormal NK/T-cells that have not gone into remission.

Coding Tips

• •Verify documentation confirms active disease status and has not achieved remission
• •Distinguish from C86.01 which indicates remission status

Clinical Significance

Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type is a rare, aggressive malignancy strongly associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection, predominantly affecting the nasal cavity and midline facial structures. This lymphoma is more prevalent in Asian and Latin American populations and carries a poor prognosis when not achieving remission. The destructive nature of this disease can lead to nasal septal perforation and midface deformity.

Documentation Requirements

• ✓Documentation must confirm the nasal-type extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma diagnosis through biopsy with immunohistochemistry showing NK/T-cell markers.
• ✓Epstein-Barr virus status (EBER in situ hybridization), disease staging, extent of nasal/midface involvement, treatment approach, and confirmation that remission has not been achieved must be documented.

Commonly Confused Codes