CPT® Code 0581T

Ablation of malignant breast tumors using percutaneous cryotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that serves as a breast-conserving alternative to traditional surgical lumpectomy for patients diagnosed with malignant breast cancer. This technique is particularly beneficial for individuals seeking less invasive treatment options. The procedure is performed under imaging guidance, which is most commonly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), allowing for precise localization of the tumor. During the procedure, local anesthesia is administered to ensure patient comfort. The physician then utilizes one or more percutaneous probes, which are inserted through the skin and directed into the tumor. Once the probes are in place, liquid nitrogen is injected through them, cooling the surrounding tissue to temperatures below -20 degrees Celsius. This process creates an ice ball around the tumor, effectively destroying the cancerous cells. Over the subsequent 13 to 18 months, the body gradually absorbs and expels the destroyed tumor cells, facilitating recovery and minimizing the need for more invasive surgical interventions.