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52021 - Jaw Cyst Aspiration Biopsy

MBS service description:

ASPIRATION BIOPSY of 1 or MORE JAW CYSTS as an independent procedure to obtain material for diagnostic purposes and not being a service associated with an operative procedure on the same day (Anaes.)
Schedule Fee:
33.5
@85% Benefit Fee:
28.5
@75% Benefit Fee:
28.5
Last updated on
March 29, 2025

When is item code 52021 (Jaw Cyst Aspiration Biopsy) typically used?

The need for an aspiration biopsy of one or more jaw cysts arises when a patient presents with a suspected cystic lesion in the mandible or maxilla that requires diagnostic confirmation to guide treatment. This minimally invasive procedure, performed under anesthesia, involves extracting fluid or tissue from the cyst for histopathological analysis, essential when imaging alone cannot determine the lesion’s nature—benign, malignant, or inflammatory. It is indicated as a standalone service to avoid immediate surgery, allowing clinicians to plan appropriately based on the findings, particularly in the oral and maxillofacial region where cysts can impact bone, teeth, or nerves.

Specific scenarios include:

  • Undiagnosed swelling: A patient with a painless jaw lump might have a dentigerous cyst or ameloblastoma, needing aspiration to differentiate and plan excision.
  • Radiographic findings: X-rays showing a cystic lesion near teeth or sinuses prompt biopsy to rule out malignancy before invasive treatment.
  • Symptomatic cysts: Pain, pressure, or tooth displacement from a growing cyst require diagnosis to assess urgency and avoid bone loss.
  • Recurrence risk: Previous cysts or suspicious growths in at-risk patients (e.g., with genetic syndromes) need evaluation to prevent progression.

For example, a young adult with a mandibular swelling noticed during a dental check might undergo this biopsy to confirm a benign odontogenic cyst, avoiding unnecessary surgery if it’s self-resolving. In hospital settings, elderly patients with unclear jaw lesions could benefit from this to tailor treatment to their frailty. By providing critical diagnostic clarity, this procedure prevents misdiagnosis, guides surgical planning, and reduces the risk of complications from untreated or mismanaged jaw cysts.

Benefits to the patient

Surgeons performing an aspiration biopsy of one or more jaw cysts under anesthesia as a standalone procedure provide diagnostic and therapeutic benefits for their patients. A primary advantage is the confirmation of diagnosis. By obtaining cyst material, surgeons enable precise identification of the condition—benign or malignant—guiding the patient’s treatment accurately, a key focus for 'jaw cyst diagnosis benefits.' It also guides treatment by providing insights into the cyst’s nature, helping surgeons decide if surgery or monitoring is best, avoiding unnecessary procedures. Additionally, it prevents invasive interventions by offering a minimally invasive diagnostic option, reducing the patient’s risk and recovery time. For surgeons researching 'aspiration biopsy advantages,' this service ensures patients receive a clear diagnosis, tailored treatment plans, and a less invasive approach, enhancing care precision and safety.

Recovery considerations

Recovery of a few days with mild soreness; no significant downtime.

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