CPT® Code 21047

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

The procedure described by CPT® Code 21047 involves the excision of a benign tumor or cyst located in the mandible, which is the lower jawbone. This procedure is specifically indicated for cases where the tumor or cyst is locally aggressive or destructive, necessitating an extra-oral osteotomy and partial mandibulectomy. In simpler terms, the physician removes not only the tumor or cyst but also a portion of the mandible itself to ensure complete excision of the lesion. The approach can be intraoral, where an incision is made inside the mouth, or extraoral, where an incision is made outside the mouth. In the intraoral approach, a flap of muscle is incised and reflected to access the tumor, while in the extraoral approach, the physician makes an incision on the outer surface of the jaw to reach the tumor. The procedure may require additional steps such as packing the area or using a bone graft to support the jaw structure after the tumor is removed. Finally, the incisions are sutured in layers to promote proper healing.