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52180 - Malignant Bone or Soft Tissue Tumour Biopsy

MBS service description:

MALIGNANT DISEASE AGGRESSIVE OR POTENTIALLY MALIGNANT BONE OR DEEP SOFT TISSUE TUMOUR, biopsy of (not including aftercare) (Anaes.)
Schedule Fee:
214.4
@85% Benefit Fee:
182.25
@75% Benefit Fee:
182.25
Last updated on
March 29, 2025

When is item code 52180 (Malignant Bone or Soft Tissue Tumour Biopsy) typically used?

The need for a biopsy of an aggressive or potentially malignant bone or deep soft tissue tumour in the oral and maxillofacial region arises when a patient presents with a suspicious mass—such as a sarcoma or carcinoma—in bone, muscle, or deep tissue, requiring tissue sampling under anesthesia for histopathological diagnosis to determine malignancy and guide treatment. This procedure is indicated when imaging or clinical signs suggest a serious tumour, critical in the maxillofacial area where aggressive growth can invade vital structures like the jaw, nerves, or sinuses, necessitating urgent clarity without immediate aftercare included.

Key scenarios driving this need include:

  • Bone lesions: A mandibular mass with bone erosion might be an osteosarcoma, needing biopsy to confirm and plan resection.
  • Deep soft tissue: A cheek muscle lump could be a sarcoma, requiring sampling to assess malignancy before surgery.
  • Rapid growth: A quickly enlarging tumour suggests aggression, prompting biopsy for urgent diagnosis.
  • Systemic signs: Weight loss or pain with a mass might indicate cancer, needing tissue to guide oncology care.

For example, a patient with a painful mandibular swelling might need this biopsy to distinguish between a benign cyst and a malignant tumour, informing whether amputation or chemotherapy follows. In an aged care context, an elderly patient with a deep neck mass could require this to rule out metastasis, given their higher cancer risk and frailty. By sampling the tumour, this service provides critical diagnostic information, prevents delays in treatment, and shapes prognosis, making it an essential first step in managing potentially malignant maxillofacial tumours.

Benefits to the patient

Surgeons biopsying an aggressive or potentially malignant bone or deep soft tissue tumor in the patient under anesthesia provide diagnostic benefits. A primary advantage is confirming malignancy. This procedure gives surgeons precise pathology data, identifying the patient’s cancer status—vital for 'malignant tumor biopsy benefits.' It also guides treatment planning by clarifying the tumor’s nature, ensuring the patient’s therapy is tailored effectively. Furthermore, it enables timely intervention by providing rapid results, preventing delays in the patient’s care. For surgeons researching 'deep tumor biopsy advantages,' this service ensures patients benefit from accurate diagnosis, strategic treatment, and prompt action, making it a critical step in managing aggressive tumors.

Recovery considerations

Recovery of 1-2 days with mild soreness; diagnostic wait may follow.

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