CPT® Code 69550

The CPT® Code 69550 refers to the excision of an aural glomus tumor using a transcanal approach. An aural glomus tumor is a benign neoplasm that originates from the paraganglionic cells found in glomus tissue, which is located near the temporal bone. These tumors are categorized into two main types: glomus jugulare tumors, which develop from the adventitia of the jugular bulb's dome, and glomus tympanicum tumors, which arise from glomus bodies along the tympanic branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve. The choice of surgical approach for excising these tumors is influenced by their size and location. In the case of CPT® Code 69550, the transcanal approach is specifically utilized for tumors that are confined to the middle ear. This method involves accessing the external auditory canal, which may need to be enlarged to facilitate the procedure. The meatus is incised, and a tympanomeatal flap is created to gain entry into the middle ear, where the tumor is exposed. The surgical team may then either dissect the tumor from the surrounding middle ear structures or employ an Argon laser to coagulate and destroy the tumor tissue. This procedure aims to remove the tumor while preserving as much hearing function as possible, although the extent of the tumor's invasion may necessitate more extensive surgical measures in some cases.