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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesLymph Node Metastasis

Lymph Node Metastasis

ICD-10 Coding for Lymph Node Metastasis(C77.0, C77.1)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYOncology
COMPLEXITYHigh
LAST UPDATED09/15/2025
Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is Lymph Node Metastasis?
Essential facts and insights about Lymph Node Metastasis

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin
  • Imaging studies (CT, MRI) showing lymph node enlargement
  • Palpable lymphadenopathy during physical examination

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Patient history of primary cancer
  • Location and size of affected lymph nodes
  • Results of imaging and biopsy findings

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Follow usage guidelines for staging and treatment planning.
  • Common errors include misclassifying lymph node involvement as primary rather than metastatic.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Primary lymphadenopathy
  • Non-malignant lymph node conditions

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
C77.0
Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of lymph nodes of head, face, and neck
C77.1
Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of axillary and upper limb lymph nodes
C77.2
Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of inguinal and lower limb lymph nodes
Ancillary Codes
Z51.11
Z51.0
Differential Codes
C81.0
C78.0

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Oncology

Specialty Applications

  • Oncology patients with known malignancies
  • Outpatient and inpatient oncology settings

Coding Complexity

High Complexity

This diagnosis requires careful attention to:

  • Comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Accurate code selection based on clinical criteria
  • Proper exclusion considerations
  • Specialty-specific coding guidelines

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

  • Ensure proper documentation for billing
  • Verify code specificity requirements
  • Check for any additional codes needed
  • Review payer-specific guidelines

Common Issues

  • Insufficient clinical documentation
  • Incorrect code selection
  • Missing supporting diagnoses
  • Timing and frequency documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements?

Document the primary cancer diagnosis, lymph node involvement, and any imaging or biopsy results.

Billing considerations?

Ensure accurate coding of both primary cancer and lymph node metastasis for appropriate reimbursement.