CPT® Code 11624

The CPT® Code 11624 refers to the excision of a malignant lesion located on specific areas of the body, including the scalp, neck, hands, feet, or genitalia, with an excised diameter ranging from 3.1 to 4.0 cm. This procedure involves the surgical removal of a cancerous growth along with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue to ensure complete excision of the malignancy. Common types of malignant lesions that may be excised using this code include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, verrucous carcinoma, and melanoma. The process begins with the cleansing of the affected area, followed by the administration of a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort during the procedure. A careful identification of a healthy tissue margin is crucial, as it helps to delineate the area that needs to be excised. A full-thickness incision is then made through the dermis, encircling the lesion to remove it entirely. In some cases, a frozen section may be performed during the excision to verify that the margins are free of malignant cells. If any cancerous tissue is detected at the margins, further excision is necessary until all margins are confirmed clean. The excised lesion is subsequently sent to a laboratory for histologic evaluation, which is also reportable separately. To manage any bleeding that may occur during the procedure, electrocautery or chemical cautery techniques are employed. After the excision, 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 utilized depending on the specific circumstances of the excision.