CPT® Code 68550

The procedure described by CPT® Code 68550 involves the excision of a tumor located in the lacrimal gland, which is a crucial structure in the eye responsible for tear production. The lacrimal gland is bilobed, consisting of a larger orbital lobe and a smaller palpebral lobe, situated in the superotemporal region of the orbit. The orbital lobe is positioned behind the orbital bone and is not visible during a standard external eye examination, while the palpebral lobe can be accessed and identified in the lateral fornix when the eyelid is everted. Tumors in the lacrimal gland can arise from various conditions, including inflammatory processes such as dacryoadenitis and sarcoidosis, as well as neoplastic changes, which can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors may include pleomorphic adenomas and oncocytomas, whereas malignant tumors can consist of adenoid cystic carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, among others. The excision procedure for CPT® Code 68550 is similar to that of CPT® Code 68540, with the critical distinction that it includes the removal of any affected bone using specialized instruments like a bone saw or osteotome, ensuring complete resection of the tumor and any surrounding compromised tissue.