Follicular lymphoma grade IIIa, spleen

This code signifies a specific type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, which is characterized by a grade IIIa cellular architecture. The "IIIa" designation indicates a higher-grade follicular lymphoma, often with a greater proportion of centroblasts. This particular code specifies that the primary or most significant site of involvement is the spleen.

Use this code when documentation clearly states a diagnosis of follicular lymphoma, specifically graded as IIIa, and identifies the spleen as the primary or involved site. This diagnosis is typically confirmed by biopsy and histopathological examination of splenic tissue or imaging findings highly suggestive of splenic involvement in the context of known follicular lymphoma.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "grade IIIa" for follicular lymphoma; do not assume the grade.
• Verify that the spleen is documented as an involved site. If other sites are involved, consider additional codes for those sites.
• Sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when the follicular lymphoma is the reason for the encounter and treatment.