Excision of cyst, fibroadenoma, or other benign or malignant tumor, aberrant breast tissue, duct lesion, nipple or areolar lesion (except 19300), open, male or female, 1 or more lesions
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Excision of Cyst, Fibroadenoma, or Other Benign or Malignant Tumor, Aberrant Breast Tissue, Duct Lesion, Nipple or Areolar Lesion (except 19300), Open, Male or Female, 1 or More Lesions.
Summary
This procedure involves the surgical removal of one or more abnormal tissue growths or lesions in the breast area, applicable to both men and women. The term "excision" refers to cutting out these abnormal or unwanted tissue growths. It is performed through an open surgery, meaning an incision is made to access and remove the lesion.
Purpose
Excision surgery is intended to diagnose and treat both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) growths in the breast, as well as aberrant breast tissue, duct lesions, and abnormalities of the nipple or areola. The goals are to relieve symptoms, prevent the progression of disease, and obtain tissue samples for diagnostic evaluation.
Indications
- Presence of cysts, fibroadenomas, or other benign tumors in the breast.
- Suspicion or diagnosis of malignant (cancerous) tumors.
- Abnormal growths or lesions in nipple or areolar regions.
- Changes in breast tissue that are causing pain or discomfort.
- Aberrant breast tissue that is not typical in structure.
- Symptoms such as lumps, pain, or abnormal discharge from nipple.
Preparation
- Patients may need to fast for several hours before surgery.
- Certain medications, especially blood thinners, might need to be adjusted or stopped.
- Pre-operative tests, such as mammograms, ultrasounds, or MRIs, are usually required.
- Informed consent will be obtained after discussing risks and benefits with the surgeon.
Procedure Description
- The patient is administered anesthesia—general or local with sedation depending on the case.
- A surgical incision is made in the breast to access the lesion.
- The surgeon carefully excises (cuts out) the cyst, fibroadenoma, tumor, or abnormal tissue.
- The removed tissue is sent for pathological examination.
- The incision is then closed with sutures, and bandages are applied.
- Drains might be placed to remove excess fluid post-surgery, if necessary.
Duration
The procedure typically takes about 1 to 2 hours, but this can vary depending on the complexity and number of lesions.
Setting
This procedure is generally performed in a hospital or an outpatient surgical center.
Personnel
- Lead Surgeon (usually a breast surgeon or general surgeon)
- Anesthesiologist
- Surgical Nurses
- Pathologist (to analyze excised tissue)
Risks and Complications
- Infection at the incision site.
- Bleeding or hematoma formation.
- Scarring or changes in breast shape.
- Anesthesia-related risks.
- Potential damage to surrounding breast tissue.
- Possibility of requiring additional surgery if margins are not clear.
Benefits
- Removal of problematic or suspicious tissue.
- Alleviation of symptoms like pain or discomfort.
- Reduced risk of progression for malignant lesions.
- Accurate diagnosis from histopathological examination.
Recovery
- Patients may go home the same day or after a short hospital stay.
- Follow post-operative care instructions regarding wound care and activity restrictions.
- Attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing and receive final pathology results.
- Recovery time can range from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the extent of surgery and individual health.
Alternatives
- Monitoring the lesion with regular imaging and exams if it’s benign and not causing symptoms.
- Minimally invasive procedures such as needle biopsy or aspiration.
- Medication or hormone therapy for certain types of breast lesions.
- Pros and cons vary based on the lesion's nature, size, and patient health considerations.
Patient Experience
- Expect mild to moderate discomfort at the surgical site; pain medication will be provided.
- Some swelling and bruising are normal post-surgery.
- Pressure garments or supportive bras may be recommended to minimize swelling.
- Emotional support and counseling might be beneficial, especially for cancer-related cases.