C86.30

HCC Category Mapping

What This Code Means

A rare lymphoma affecting the fatty tissue under the skin caused by abnormal T-cells that has not achieved remission.

Coding Tips

• •Verify active disease status and lack of remission in documentation
• •Distinguish from C86.31 which indicates remission

Clinical Significance

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a rare cutaneous lymphoma that infiltrates subcutaneous adipose tissue, mimicking panniculitis on clinical presentation. It typically presents with multiple subcutaneous nodules and may be complicated by hemophagocytic syndrome, a life-threatening condition. When remission is not achieved, the disease may follow an indolent or aggressive course depending on the T-cell receptor phenotype (alpha-beta versus gamma-delta).

Documentation Requirements

• ✓Documentation must confirm the SPTCL diagnosis through deep skin biopsy including subcutaneous fat with immunophenotyping.
• ✓T-cell receptor phenotype (alpha-beta versus gamma-delta) should be documented as it affects prognosis.
• ✓Assessment for hemophagocytic syndrome, disease extent, treatment response, and active disease status must be recorded.

Commonly Confused Codes