Find comprehensive information on Hairy Cell Leukemia diagnosis, including ICD-10 codes (C91.40, C91.48), clinical documentation requirements, differential diagnosis considerations, treatment options, and prognosis. Learn about relevant laboratory tests, pathology reports, and the role of bone marrow biopsy in HcL diagnosis for accurate medical coding and billing. Explore resources for healthcare professionals, patients, and researchers seeking information on Hairy Cell Leukemia management and clinical trials.
Also known as
Hairy cell leukemia
A rare type of chronic leukemia affecting B cells.
Malignant neoplasms of lymphoid
Cancers originating from lymphoid tissues.
Malignant neoplasms of lymphoid, hematopoietic and related tissue
Cancers of the blood, bone marrow, and lymph nodes.
Neoplasms
Abnormal tissue growth, including benign and malignant tumors.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the diagnosis Hairy Cell Leukemia?
Yes
Is it specified as variant?
No
Do NOT code as Hairy Cell Leukemia. Review clinical documentation for correct diagnosis.
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Hairy Cell Leukemia |
| Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma |
| Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia |
Coding C91.40, HCL NOS, when a more specific subtype is documented, impacting data accuracy and reimbursement.
Failure to capture variant HCL (C91.41/C91.42) leading to underreporting of disease severity and incorrect treatment protocols.
Incorrectly coding splenomegaly (D73.5) as a primary diagnosis instead of a manifestation of HCL, impacting quality reporting.
Patient presents with signs and symptoms suggestive of hairy cell leukemia (HCL), including splenomegaly, fatigue, weakness, recurrent infections, and easy bruising. Physical examination reveals palpable splenomegaly. Complete blood count (CBC) demonstrates pancytopenia, specifically neutropenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Peripheral blood smear reveals characteristic hairy cells. Bone marrow biopsy and aspirate confirm the diagnosis of hairy cell leukemia, demonstrating infiltration with hairy cells positive for tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) stain. Flow cytometry analysis of peripheral blood or bone marrow aspirate further supports the diagnosis, showing a clonal B-cell population with typical hairy cell markers. Differential diagnosis includes other B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL). Based on the clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and bone marrow evaluation, the diagnosis of hairy cell leukemia is established. Treatment options for hairy cell leukemia include purine analogs such as cladribine or pentostatin. The patient will be monitored for response to therapy with regular CBCs, peripheral blood smears, and bone marrow evaluations as clinically indicated. Patient education regarding the disease, treatment options, potential side effects, and prognosis was provided. Follow-up appointments are scheduled for ongoing monitoring and management of hairy cell leukemia. ICD-10 code C91.42 Hairy cell leukemia is assigned.