I was taught to code this as 02 when it is not meant to diagnose or
stage but not considered cancer-directed surgery. I sought
clarification from the I&R as well and the answer is dependent on
the goal of the procedure. In most instances, I would think that
you would be coding the lymph node biopsy as an 02 since excisional
biopsies of lymph nodes for lymphoma are usually not geared toward
excising the cancer but to provide a diagnosis.

You may find this discussion in past messages in this group and in
the NCRA Yahoo group.

Charla Carter, CTR
Cincinnati OH

--- In cancerregistrargroup@yahoogroups.com, towellde
<no_reply@y...> wrote:
> I have a coding question. We have received 2 very different
answers
> regarding this question from ACOS I&R, so I thought I'd like to
get
> some feedback regarding this topic from those of you out in the
> workforce.
>
> Using FORDS:
> When the primary site is coded as Lymph nodes and the histology is
a
> lymphoma, how is an excisional bx of the LN coded? Do you use
surgery
> code 25 or code it in the "surgical, diagnostic, and staging"
field
> as an 01 or 02?
>
>
> thanks for your input!
> Deborah Towell, CTR
> Oregon State Cancer Registry
> deborah.j.towell@s...