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2025 CPT code 38740

Axillary lymphadenectomy; superficial

Code 38740 is for a superficial axillary lymphadenectomy, which excludes the removal of deep axillary nodes.For a complete axillary lymphadenectomy, use code 38745.38740 may be bundled into other procedures for extensive cancer treatment.

Modifiers may be applicable to 38740 to indicate specific circumstances, such as increased procedural services (modifier 22), bilateral procedures (modifier 50), or reduced services (modifier 52).

Medical necessity for 38740 is established by the presence of a primary malignancy, such as breast cancer or melanoma, for which axillary lymph node involvement is a significant concern. The procedure is necessary for staging the cancer and guiding treatment decisions.

When the patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized, the provider may pad the shoulder to lift and expose the target area. The provider makes a diagonal incision in the armpit area and removes the superficial lymph nodes and other superficial tissue below the axillary vein. The provider ensures hemostasis and closes the incision in layers, placing a drain to facilitate healing.

In simple words: Removal of the lymph nodes under the arm, near the surface, often done for breast or chest cancer.

The provider excises the superficial lymph nodes in the armpit area below the axillary vein, but not lymph nodes buried deep beneath the layers of muscle. This procedure is commonly performed for cancer in the breast or chest.

Example 1: A patient with breast cancer undergoes a lumpectomy followed by a superficial axillary lymphadenectomy (38740) to determine if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes., A patient with melanoma on the chest wall has a superficial axillary lymphadenectomy (38740) to check for regional metastasis., A patient with lymphoma in the axilla requires a superficial axillary lymphadenectomy (38740) for diagnostic purposes.

Documentation should include a detailed operative report describing the extent of the lymphadenectomy, the number of lymph nodes removed, and any complications. Pathology reports identifying the presence or absence of malignancy in the excised nodes are also essential.

** It's important to note that this information is current as of December 1st, 2024, and may be subject to change.

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