CPT® Code 17281

Destruction, malignant lesion (eg, laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, surgical curettement), face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, mucous membrane; lesion diameter 0.6 to 1.0 cm

The procedure described by CPT® Code 17281 involves the destruction of a malignant lesion located on the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or mucous membranes, with the lesion having a diameter ranging from 0.6 to 1.0 cm. This procedure can be performed using various techniques, including laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, or surgical curettement. The choice of destruction method is determined after a thorough examination of the lesion, considering factors such as the type of malignant lesion and its depth of penetration into the skin layers. Local anesthesia may be administered to ensure patient comfort during the procedure. Commonly treated malignant lesions include squamous cell carcinoma and verrucous carcinoma, particularly those that have not invaded deeper layers of the dermis. The destruction techniques employed aim to effectively eliminate the malignant cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. For lesions with different diameters, specific CPT codes are designated, allowing for accurate coding and billing based on the size of the lesion being treated.