CPT® Code 11404

Excision, benign lesion including margins, except skin tag (unless listed elsewhere), trunk, arms or legs; excised diameter 3.1 to 4.0 cm

The CPT® Code 11404 refers to the excision of a benign lesion, excluding skin tags, located on the trunk, arms, or legs, with an excised diameter ranging from 3.1 to 4.0 cm. This procedure involves the surgical removal of a benign growth, which may include various types of lesions such as lipomas, dermatofibromas, pyogenic granulomas, epidermoid cysts, and benign nevi. The excision is performed with a margin of normal tissue to ensure complete removal of the lesion and to minimize the risk of recurrence. Prior to the excision, the area is thoroughly cleansed, and a local anesthetic is administered to ensure patient comfort during the procedure. A full-thickness incision is made through the dermis, encircling the lesion to facilitate its complete removal. After excision, the specimen is sent to a laboratory for histologic evaluation, which is separately reportable. To manage any bleeding that may occur during the procedure, electrocautery or chemical cautery is utilized. The surgical wound may be closed using a simple single-layer suture technique; however, more complex closure methods such as intermediate (layer) closure, complex repair, skin grafts, or pedicle flaps may also be employed depending on the specific circumstances of the excision and the size of the wound. This code is part of a series that categorizes excisions based on the diameter of the lesion, with specific codes designated for different size ranges.