In simple words: This code refers to a type of cancer called Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, where the exact subtype is unknown.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is a cancer that starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes, which are part of the body’s immune system.This code is used when the physician does not document the specific type of NHL.It includes cases where the lymphoma is not otherwise specified (NOS) or is described as malignant lymphoma NOS.

Example 1: A patient presents with painless, swollen lymph nodes in the neck and unexplained weight loss. A biopsy reveals lymphoma, but further tests are needed to determine the specific subtype.Until the subtype is confirmed, C85.9 is used., A patient's imaging study shows a mass suspicious for lymphoma. The pathology report describes it only as "malignant lymphoma, NOS."In the absence of a more specific diagnosis, C85.9 is assigned., A patient with a history of lymphoma is admitted for an unrelated condition. The type of lymphoma is not specified in the current documentation.If the specific type is not readily available in prior records, C85.9 would be used for the current encounter.

Documentation should include details of the patient's presentation, physical examination findings, and results of all diagnostic tests performed (biopsy, blood tests, imaging studies).If a specific subtype of NHL is later identified, that code should be used instead of C85.9.

** If the case is being abstracted for a registry or other data collection purpose where a more specific diagnosis is required, efforts should be made to obtain the specific subtype of NHL from the physician or pathologist.