Destruction, malignant lesion (eg, laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, surgical curettement), face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, mucous membrane; lesion diameter 0.6 to 1.0 cm
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Destruction of malignant lesion using laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, or surgical curettage on the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or mucous membrane for a lesion diameter of 0.6 to 1.0 cm.
Summary
This procedure involves the removal of cancerous skin lesions on the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or mucous membranes. The lesions are small, measuring between 0.6 to 1.0 cm. The method of destruction can include laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, or surgical curettage.
Purpose
The procedure addresses malignant skin lesions, which are cancerous growths on the skin that need to be removed to prevent the spread of cancer. The goal is to completely remove the lesion, reducing the risk of cancer spreading while aiming to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible and achieve optimal cosmetic results.
Indications
- Diagnosed malignant skin lesions such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma.
- Lesion size between 0.6 to 1.0 cm.
- Lesions located on cosmetically sensitive areas like the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or mucous membranes.
- Patients seeking minimally invasive treatment options.
Preparation
- Patients may need to stop certain medications, such as blood thinners, as advised by their healthcare provider.
- Pre-procedure assessments might include a biopsy to confirm the malignancy and imaging tests if there's concern about the cancer spreading.
- Fasting may be required if sedation or anesthesia is planned; this will be specified by the medical team.
Procedure Description
- Local anesthesia or sedation is administered to ensure patient comfort.
- The specific area is cleaned and sterilized.
- Depending on the chosen method, the malignant lesion is targeted and removed:
- Laser surgery: Uses concentrated light to destroy the cancerous cells.
- Electrosurgery: Utilizes electrical current to burn and destroy the lesion.
- Cryosurgery: Involves freezing the lesion with liquid nitrogen.
- Chemosurgery: Applies a chemical solution to destroy cancer cells.
- Surgical curettage: Scrapes away the lesion with a curette.
- The site is then treated as necessary to promote healing and prevent infection.
Duration
The procedure typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the method and complexity.
Setting
Performed in an outpatient clinic, a surgical center, or a hospital.
Personnel
- Dermatologist or surgical oncologist.
- Nurses.
- Anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist if sedation or anesthesia is required.
Risks and Complications
- Common risks: Pain, redness, swelling, scarring.
- Rare complications: Infection, bleeding, changes in skin pigmentation, incomplete removal requiring further treatment.
Benefits
- Effective removal of malignant lesions.
- Minimally invasive with a relatively quick recovery.
- Preservation of surrounding healthy tissue and better cosmetic outcomes.
Recovery
- Post-procedure care might include pain management, keeping the area clean and dry, and applying prescribed ointments.
- Patients can usually resume normal activities within a few days to a week, with follow-up appointments to monitor healing.
- Sun protection and regular skin checks are often recommended.
Alternatives
- Surgical excision: Complete removal of the lesion with a margin of healthy tissue.
- Radiation therapy: Targeted radiation to destroy cancer cells.
- Topical treatments: Apply medications directly to the lesion (e.g., imiquimod).
- Each alternative has its own pros and cons based on effectiveness, recovery time, and potential side effects.
Patient Experience
- During the procedure, patients should feel minimal discomfort if adequately anesthetized.
- Post-procedure, there might be mild pain or discomfort, managed with prescribed medications.
- Emotional relief from addressing cancer concerns and satisfaction with cosmetic outcomes often outweigh temporary discomfort.