Name of the Condition

• Follicular lymphoma grade III, unspecified, extranodal and solid organ sites (ICD code: C82.29)

Summary

Follicular lymphoma grade III is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that originates in lymphocytes, a kind of white blood cell. This particular classification refers to cases where the cancer is found outside of lymph nodes, in extranodal and solid organ sites, and is not specified beyond grade III.

Causes

The exact causes of follicular lymphoma are not well-understood but are believed to involve genetic mutations in lymphocytes. Factors like inherited genetic predispositions and random cellular mutations are considered significant contributors.

Risk Factors

• Age: Typically occurs in middle-aged or older adults.
• Gender: Slightly more common in males.
• Family history of lymphoma or other blood cancers.
• Exposure to certain chemicals, such as pesticides and herbicides.
• Immune system disorders or long-term immunosuppression.

Symptoms

• Painless swelling of lymph nodes
• Fatigue
• Fever or night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• Abdominal pain or fullness

Diagnosis

• Physical examination to check for swollen lymph nodes.
• Imaging tests like CT or PET scans to locate and stage cancer.
• Biopsy of affected tissue to confirm the type and grade of lymphoma.
• Blood tests to assess overall health and organ function.

Treatment Options

• Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to destroy cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: Employs medications that stimulate the immune system to fight cancer.
• Radiation therapy: Targets specific areas of cancer growth.
• Targeted therapy: Focuses on specific molecules involved in tumor growth.
• Stem cell transplant: In some cases, may be recommended for aggressive or refractory lymphoma.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

The prognosis for follicular lymphoma can vary, with some cases having a slow progression while others may be more aggressive. Regular follow-ups are critical for monitoring disease progression and adjusting treatment plans as needed.

Complications

• Increased risk of infections due to compromised immune function.
• Transformation into a more aggressive form of lymphoma.
• Organ dysfunction due to cancer spreading.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise can support overall health.
• Limiting exposure to known environmental risk factors.
• Regular medical check-ups to monitor any health changes.

When to Seek Professional Help

Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing significant, unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, swollen lymph nodes lasting more than several weeks, or night sweats.

Additional Resources

• American Cancer Society: cancer.org
• Lymphoma Research Foundation: lymphoma.org
• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: lls.org

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure the correct mapping of grade III follicular lymphoma to its extranodal and unspecified site codes.
• Verify the precise location of cancer beyond the lymph nodes for accurate coding.
• Avoid confusing this condition with lower-grade follicular lymphomas or other types of lymphomas, which have different codes.