Destruction, malignant lesion (eg, laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, surgical curettement), trunk, arms or legs; lesion diameter 0.5 cm or less
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Destruction of Malignant Lesion (e.g., Laser Surgery, Electrosurgery, Cryosurgery, Chemosurgery, Surgical Curettement), Trunk, Arms, or Legs; Lesion Diameter 0.5 cm or Less
Summary
This procedure involves the removal or destruction of a malignant (cancerous) skin lesion on the trunk, arms, or legs using various techniques such as laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, or surgical curettement. The lesion being treated is small, with a diameter of 0.5 cm or less.
Purpose
The procedure aims to remove cancerous lesions from the skin to prevent the spread of cancer and treat existing malignant growths. The expected outcome is the complete destruction of the cancerous cells in the targeted area.
Indications
This procedure is indicated for patients with small malignant lesions on the trunk, arms, or legs, such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma, measuring 0.5 cm or less in diameter.
Preparation
- Patients may be advised to stop certain medications, such as blood thinners, before the procedure.
- Fasting is generally not required.
- The area to be treated will be assessed through physical examination and possibly a biopsy.
Procedure Description
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area.
- Technique: Depending on the method:
- Laser Surgery: A focused beam of light is used to vaporize the lesion.
- Electrosurgery: Electrical currents are applied to destroy cancerous cells.
- Cryosurgery: Freezing temperatures are used to kill the abnormal tissue.
- Chemosurgery: Chemicals are applied to destroy the malignant cells.
- Surgical Curettement: The lesion is scraped off using a curette.
- Post-Destruction: The area may be covered with a dressing.
Duration
The procedure typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the method used.
Setting
This procedure is usually performed in an outpatient clinic, dermatology office, or a surgical center.
Personnel
- Dermatologist or Surgeon
- Surgical nurse or medical assistant
- Anesthesiologist (if required for specific techniques)
Risks and Complications
- Common: Bleeding, infection, pain, and scarring at the treatment site.
- Rare: Recurrence of the malignant lesion, nerve damage, or adverse reactions to anesthesia.
Benefits
- Effective removal of small malignant lesions.
- Minimally invasive with a quick recovery time.
- Reduction in cancer spread and improved survival rates.
Recovery
- Post-procedure care includes keeping the area clean and covered.
- Patients are typically advised to avoid strenuous activity for a few days.
- Recovery time is usually within a week, and follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor healing.
Alternatives
- Traditional surgical excision.
- Radiation therapy.
Topical treatments.
Pros and cons of alternatives:
- Surgical excision offers thorough removal but may have longer recovery and more noticeable scarring.
- Radiation therapy is non-invasive but may require multiple sessions.
- Topical treatments are less invasive but may not be suitable for all types of malignant lesions.
Patient Experience
- During the procedure, patients should feel minimal discomfort due to local anesthesia.
- After the procedure, mild discomfort, redness, and swelling are common.
- Pain can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, and any discomfort usually subsides within a few days.