Which main entry should be referenced first to locate codes for excision of lymph nodes?

To locate codes related to the excision of lymph nodes, the most appropriate main entry to reference is "Excision." The term "excision" specifically refers to the surgical removal of tissue or lesions, which includes lymph nodes. In the context of coding, "excision" provides the most direct and relevant classification for procedures involving the removal of lymphatic tissue.

The other choices do not target the same specificity for lymph nodes. "Dissection" generally refers to the process of separating tissues and structures in surgery rather than their removal, while "resection" usually pertains to the removal of an organ or a major portion of it, and while it can include lymph nodes, it is broader and not specifically focused on that area. "Incision" refers to the cutting into tissue to access inside the body but does not connotate removal. Therefore, for coding purposes, "excision" is the clear and focused choice for locating codes related to the excision of lymph nodes.