CPT® Code 21046

Excision of benign tumor or cyst of mandible; requiring intra-oral osteotomy (eg, locally aggressive or destructive lesion[s])

The procedure described by CPT® Code 21046 involves the excision of a benign tumor or cyst located in the mandible, which is the lower jawbone. This procedure is specifically indicated when the tumor or cyst is locally aggressive or destructive, necessitating an intra-oral osteotomy. In simpler terms, this means that the physician must perform a surgical operation that involves cutting into the bone of the mandible to effectively remove the lesion. The excision can be approached in two ways: intra-orally or extra-orally. In the intra-oral approach, the surgeon makes an incision inside the mouth, creating a flap of muscle that is then reflected to access the tumor. Once the tumor is located, it is excised along with a portion of the surrounding bone to ensure complete removal. Conversely, if an extraoral approach is utilized, the surgeon makes an incision outside the mouth, continuing to incise and reflect the tissue until the tumor is accessible for removal. This approach may also require the removal of part of the mandible. After the tumor is excised, the surgical site may be packed and closed, and in some cases, a bone graft may be necessary to support the structure of the mandible. Finally, all incisions are sutured in layers to promote proper healing.