CPT® Code 21040

The procedure described by CPT® Code 21040 involves the excision of a benign tumor or cyst located in the mandible, which is the lower jawbone. This procedure is performed through two primary techniques: enucleation and curettage. Enucleation refers to the surgical removal of the tumor or cyst in its entirety, while curettage involves scraping the tissue to ensure that all remnants of the tumor are removed from the surrounding bone. The physician may choose to perform the procedure using either an external or internal approach. In the external approach, an incision is made on the outer surface of the face, allowing the physician to dissect through the soft tissues until the tumor is accessible for removal. Conversely, the internal approach involves making an incision within the oral cavity, directly accessing the tumor without external incisions. Regardless of the approach taken, the goal is to remove the tumor intact, ensuring that it is completely excised from the mandible. After the tumor has been successfully removed, the incision site is sutured closed to promote healing and minimize complications.