CPT 19306 describes “Radical mastectomy; including pectoral muscles, axillary lymph nodes, and internal mammary lymph nodes.”

The operative note specifies removal of (1) breast tissue and skin, (2) pectoral muscles, (3) axillary lymph nodes, and (4) internal mammary lymph nodes—matching every required component of 19306. Codes 19303, 19305, and 19307 lack removal of either the pectoral muscles or the internal mammary nodes, so they do not capture the full surgical extent. Therefore, 19306 is the single, most specific code.

A. 19303 – Simple mastectomy removes breast and skin only; no muscle or lymph-node dissection.

B. 19305 – Radical mastectomy with pectoral muscles and axillary nodes but omits internal mammary nodes.

D. 19307 – Modified radical removes breast, skin, and axillary nodes but usually spares pectoral muscles and all internal mammary nodes.

1. American Medical Association. CPT 2024 Professional Edition

Surgery section “Mastectomy Procedures

” p. 196–197: Code descriptors for 19303

19305

19306

19307.

2. AAPC. “Breast and Lymph Node Surgery Coding

” Journal of AHIMA/AAPC joint review

2023; vol 94(6): 44-46—clarifies difference between radical and modified radical mastectomies.

3. University of Washington School of Medicine

General Surgery Clerkship Syllabus (2022)

Module “Breast Surgical Oncology

” p. 17—defines radical mastectomy including internal mammary node dissection.