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52027 - Deep Tissue or Organ Biopsy

MBS service description:

BIOPSY OF LYMPH NODE, MUSCLE OR OTHER DEEP TISSUE OR ORGAN, as an independent procedure and not being a service to which item 52025 applies (Anaes.)
Schedule Fee:
170.6
@85% Benefit Fee:
145.05
@75% Benefit Fee:
145.05
Last updated on
March 29, 2025

When is item code 52027 (Deep Tissue or Organ Biopsy) typically used?

The need for a biopsy of a lymph node, muscle, or other deep tissue or organ in the oral and maxillofacial region arises when a patient has a suspicious mass or abnormality in deeper structures that requires histopathological confirmation to diagnose potential malignancy, infection, or other pathology. This procedure, performed under anesthesia, targets tissues beyond the superficial layer—such as deep neck nodes, facial muscles, or salivary glands—where imaging or clinical exam alone is inconclusive. It is indicated as a standalone service to establish a precise diagnosis, guiding treatment decisions in complex cases affecting maxillofacial function or health.

Reasons for this biopsy include:

  • Deep masses: A lump in the masseter muscle or deep neck might be a sarcoma or metastasis, needing biopsy to differentiate and plan surgery.
  • Salivary gland concerns: A suspected tumor in the parotid gland requires deep tissue sampling to assess malignancy before resection.
  • Infections: Deep abscesses or granulomas in muscle or nodes from chronic conditions like actinomycosis need analysis for targeted therapy.
  • Systemic disease: Unexplained deep tissue changes might reflect lymphoma or autoimmune conditions, requiring biopsy for systemic management.

For instance, a patient with a firm mass in the cheek muscle noticed after trauma might need this biopsy to rule out a rare sarcoma, avoiding unnecessary excision if benign. In aged care, an elderly patient with a deep neck node and fever could require this to distinguish infection from cancer, given their vulnerability. By accessing deeper tissues, this procedure provides critical diagnostic clarity, prevents mismanagement, and ensures appropriate treatment, vital for addressing serious conditions in the maxillofacial region’s complex anatomy.

Benefits to the patient

Surgeons conducting a biopsy of the patient’s lymph node, muscle, or deep tissue under anesthesia as a standalone procedure deliver profound diagnostic benefits. A primary advantage is confirming deep tissue pathology. This procedure provides surgeons with samples from hard-to-reach areas, accurately identifying conditions like tumors or infections—vital for 'deep tissue biopsy benefits.' It also guides precise treatment by offering histopathological insights, ensuring the patient’s therapy targets the exact issue. Furthermore, it avoids misdiagnosis by providing clear data, preventing the patient from undergoing inappropriate treatments. For surgeons exploring 'benefits of deep tissue biopsy,' this service ensures patients receive an accurate diagnosis, tailored care, and protection from diagnostic errors, enhancing outcomes in complex cases.

Recovery considerations

Recovery of 2-3 days with swelling; deeper site may cause temporary soreness.

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