CPT® Code 11421

Excision, benign lesion including margins, except skin tag (unless listed elsewhere), scalp, neck, hands, feet, genitalia; excised diameter 0.6 to 1.0 cm

The CPT® Code 11421 refers to the excision of a benign lesion, which is a non-cancerous growth, from specific areas of the body including the scalp, neck, hands, feet, or genitalia. This procedure involves the removal of the lesion along with a margin of healthy tissue surrounding it, ensuring that any potentially affected cells are also excised. The excised diameter of the lesion must be between 0.6 to 1.0 cm. Common types of benign lesions that may be excised using this code include lipomas, which are fatty tumors; dermatofibromas, which are fibrous skin growths; pyogenic granulomas, which are small, red, and raised lesions; epidermoid cysts, which are small lumps beneath the skin; and benign nevi, commonly known as moles. Before the excision, the area is thoroughly cleansed, and a local anesthetic is administered to minimize discomfort during the procedure. A careful identification of a narrow margin of healthy tissue is crucial, as it helps to ensure complete removal of the lesion. The surgeon makes a full-thickness incision through the dermis, encircling the lesion to excise it completely. After excision, the specimen is sent to a laboratory for histologic evaluation, which is a separate reportable service. To control any bleeding that may occur during the procedure, electrocautery or chemical cautery techniques are employed. Following the excision, the surgical wound may be closed using a simple single-layer suture technique. However, depending on the complexity of the wound, other closure methods such as intermediate (layer) closure, complex repair, skin grafts, or pedicle flaps may also be utilized. 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.