CPT® Code 17273

Destruction, malignant lesion (eg, laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, surgical curettement), scalp, neck, hands, feet, genitalia; lesion diameter 2.1 to 3.0 cm

Destruction of malignant lesions refers to the medical procedures used to remove or destroy cancerous growths on the skin. These lesions can include various types of skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. The process begins with a thorough examination of the lesion to determine the most suitable method of destruction. Depending on the size and location of the lesion, a local anesthetic may be administered to minimize discomfort during the procedure. Various techniques can be employed for the destruction of these lesions, including cryosurgery, which utilizes liquid nitrogen to freeze the lesion through a series of freeze-thaw cycles, effectively killing the cancerous cells. Other methods include surgical curettage, where the lesion is scraped away, often followed by electrosurgery to ensure complete removal. In cases where multiple lesions are present, chemical agents or laser resurfacing techniques, such as the use of a carbon dioxide laser, may be utilized to treat the affected areas. It is important to note that during the destruction process, the physician typically removes not only the lesion itself but also a margin of surrounding healthy tissue to ensure that all cancerous cells are eliminated. The specific CPT® code 17273 is designated for lesions with a diameter ranging from 2.1 to 3.0 cm, distinguishing it from other codes that correspond to different lesion sizes.