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Official Description

Excision of malignant tumor of maxilla or zygoma

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 21034 refers to the excision of a malignant tumor located in the maxilla or zygoma, which are critical structures in the facial skeleton. The maxilla is the upper jawbone, while the zygoma, also known as the cheekbone, contributes to the structure of the face. This procedure is performed by a physician who specializes in surgical oncology or maxillofacial surgery. The primary goal of this surgical intervention is to remove the malignant tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure that all cancerous cells are excised, thereby reducing the risk of recurrence. The physician may employ various surgical techniques to access the tumor, which may include dissection of the surrounding tissues to reach the tumor effectively. During the excision, the physician utilizes specialized instruments such as saws, osteotomes, files, and drills to carefully remove the tumor mass. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, the procedure may necessitate the removal of adjacent teeth. Following the excision, soft tissue reconstruction may be required, which could involve the use of myocutaneous flaps to restore the anatomical integrity of the area. The final step of the procedure involves closing all incisions with sutures to promote healing and minimize scarring.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The excision of a malignant tumor of the maxilla or zygoma is indicated for patients diagnosed with cancerous growths in these areas. The procedure is typically performed when the tumor is confirmed to be malignant, necessitating surgical intervention to prevent further spread of the disease. Specific indications for this procedure may include:

  • Malignant Tumor Presence The presence of a malignant tumor in the maxilla or zygoma that requires surgical removal to ensure complete excision of cancerous tissue.
  • Local Symptoms Symptoms such as pain, swelling, or functional impairment in the facial region that may be associated with the tumor.
  • Histological Confirmation A confirmed diagnosis of malignancy through biopsy or imaging studies that necessitates surgical intervention.

2. Procedure

The procedure for excising a malignant tumor of the maxilla or zygoma involves several critical steps to ensure the complete removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue. The steps include:

  • Step 1: Preoperative Preparation Prior to the procedure, the patient undergoes a thorough evaluation, including imaging studies and possibly a biopsy, to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the tumor. Anesthesia is administered to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free during the surgery.
  • Step 2: Incision and Access The surgeon makes an incision in the appropriate location to access the tumor. The approach may vary depending on the tumor's size and location, and the surgeon carefully dissects the surrounding tissues to reach the tumor while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
  • Step 3: Tumor Excision Once the tumor is accessible, the surgeon excises the malignant mass along with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure that all cancerous cells are removed. This may involve the use of specialized instruments such as saws, osteotomes, files, and drills to effectively remove the tumor.
  • Step 4: Reconstruction After the tumor has been excised, the surgeon assesses the area for any need for reconstruction. Depending on the size of the excised tissue, soft tissue reconstruction may be performed using myocutaneous flaps to restore the anatomical structure and function of the maxilla or zygoma.
  • Step 5: Closure The final step involves closing all incisions with sutures. The surgeon ensures that the closure is secure to promote healing and minimize the risk of complications.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care is essential for optimal recovery following the excision of a malignant tumor of the maxilla or zygoma. Patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications, such as bleeding or infection. Pain management is provided as needed, and patients may be advised to follow a soft diet to avoid strain on the surgical site. Follow-up appointments are crucial to assess healing, remove sutures, and monitor for any signs of recurrence. The physician may also provide specific instructions regarding activity restrictions and oral hygiene to ensure proper recovery.

Short Descr EXCISE MAX/ZYGOMA MAL TUMOR
Medium Descr EXCISION MALIGNANT TUMOR MAXILLA/ZYGOMA
Long Descr Excision of malignant tumor of maxilla or zygoma
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required...
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P5B - Ambulatory procedures - musculoskeletal
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 142 - Partial excision bone
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
82 Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s).
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CG Policy criteria applied
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
Date
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Notes
2003-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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