The DLBCL medical abbreviation stands for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in adults. It is a cancer of B cells, a kind of white blood cell, that tends to grow quickly and often first shows up as a fast growing lump in the neck, armpit or groin, or as a mass inside the chest or belly.
You will see the DLBCL medical acronym on pathology reports, oncology notes, PET scan reports, treatment plans and billing records. Each letter describes the lymphoma: diffuse for how it spreads through a lymph node, large for the size of the cells, and B-cell for the cell type. The sections below explain the term, common subtypes, chart wording and coding basics.
At a glance
Stands for
Diffuse large B-cell lymphomaGroup
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, aggressive typeUsed in
Hematology, oncology, pathology, radiology, codingSubtypes
GCB and non-GCB (ABC); primary CNS; primary mediastinalICD-10-CM
C83.3 category, with a final character for siteDo not confuse with
CLL and Hodgkin lymphoma
What each letter in the DLBCL medical abbreviation means
| Letter | Word | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| D | Diffuse | Cancer cells spread across the lymph node rather than forming clusters |
| L | Large | The cells look large under the microscope |
| B | B | The cells come from B lymphocytes |
| C | Cell | Completes the cell type |
| L | Lymphoma | A cancer of the lymphatic system |
DLBCL is considered aggressive because it grows over weeks to months, yet it often responds well to treatment and many people reach remission.
Subtypes you may see on a pathology report
Pathologists often add a subtype. GCB means germinal center B-cell like, and non-GCB or ABC means activated B-cell like; these come from testing the cells and can affect outlook. Double hit or high grade B-cell lymphoma describes certain gene changes that need special attention. Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma arises in the chest. In notes the CNS DLBCL medical abbreviation refers to lymphoma in the brain, spinal cord or eyes, which may be primary, starting there, or secondary, spreading there from elsewhere. Some DLBCL also develops from a slower lymphoma such as follicular lymphoma, called transformation.
Reading a DLBCL treatment line
Oncology plan: "DLBCL, non-GCB type; PET stage III; plan R-CHOP x 6." In plain words, the lymphoma is the non-GCB subtype, the PET scan shows it on both sides of the diaphragm, and the planned treatment is six cycles of a common combination regimen. R-CHOP stands for rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin hydrochloride (also called hydroxydaunorubicin), vincristine and prednisone.
Stages run from I to IV. Notes may add an IPI score, the International Prognostic Index, which combines age, stage, a blood test called LDH, the number of sites outside lymph nodes and general fitness. Other options such as cell therapies exist for disease that returns.
DLBCL medical abbreviation and ICD-10 coding
Coders and billers look for DLBCL in the ICD-10-CM category C83.3, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The final character records the site, for example C83.30 for an unspecified site, with other characters for lymph nodes of particular regions and for extranodal sites. Newer code sets also include a separate code for DLBCL in remission. Coding students should always confirm the exact code against the current official code book and the documentation in the chart, since code sets are updated each year.
Frequently asked questions
What does DLBCL stand for?
DLBCL stands for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. No subtype in the non-Hodgkin group is diagnosed more often, and it starts in B lymphocytes.
Is DLBCL a fast growing cancer?
Yes, it is considered aggressive because it can grow over weeks to months. Even so, it often responds well to treatment, and many people go into remission.
What is CNS DLBCL?
CNS DLBCL is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma involving the brain, spinal cord or eyes. It can start there, called primary CNS lymphoma, or spread there from elsewhere.
What is the ICD-10 code for DLBCL?
In ICD-10-CM, DLBCL falls under category C83.3, with a final character that shows the site, such as C83.30 for an unspecified site. Coders confirm the exact code with current official guidance.
Is DLBCL the same as Hodgkin lymphoma?
No. DLBCL is a non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The two differ in cell appearance under the microscope, typical spread and treatment.