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Electrodesiccation & Curettage

Board-Certified Electrodesiccation and Curettage Treatment at the Center for Surgical Dermatology & Associates

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Electrodesiccation & Curettage

Board-Certified Electrodesiccation and Curettage Treatment at the Center for Surgical Dermatology 

Electrodesiccation & Curettage

What is Electrodesiccation & Curettage?

Electrodesiccation and curettage is a common skin cancer treatment that involves scraping off abnormal lesions with a sharp, oval-shaped instrument called a curette. Following the curettage, a dermatologist will use electrocautery to burn away the residual abnormal cells.

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QUESTIONS

Electrodesiccation & Curettage FAQs

Explore our electrodesiccation and curettage FAQs section below, where our dermatologists answer the most commonly asked questions regarding this skin cancer treatment. And make sure to contact us if you have additional questions or concerns.

Curettage means the removal of tissue or growth by scooping or scraping with a curette tool. This special technique is typically used to remove cancerous and non-cancerous lesions.

First, a dermatologist will perform curettage, which involves using a curette tool to scrape off the lesion. Second, once the lesion is removed with curettage, electrodesiccation is performed. This means the area is cauterized with an electrocautery needle to destroy any residual malignant cells and control bleeding.

Anesthesia is administered before the procedure to minimize/avoid any pain and discomfort. 

Yes, electrodesiccation and curettage is a common skin cancer treatment. This procedure is most often used for the treatment of some forms of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

The electrodesiccation and curettage procedure is generally used for small abnormal lesions or growths. It is not recommended for high-risk sites or aggressive forms of skin cancer, such as malignant melanoma on the scalp. Furthermore, electrodesiccation and curettage has the best cure rate for superficial basal cell carcinomas or very superficial squamous cell carcinomas.

In addition to superficial skin cancers, electrodesiccation and curettage is also occasionally used to treat actinic keratoses, seborrheic keratoses, and warts.

After the electrodesiccation and curettage procedure, your doctor will put a dressing onto the area. It’s important that this dressing stays on for 24 hours following the procedure and that it does not get wet. 

After 24 hours, it’s time to change the dressing. First, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. Then, remove the old dressing and gently wash the site with soap and warm water. It’s crucial that you do not scrub or scratch the site. Next, pat the area dry, cover it with a thick ointment, and apply a bandage, such as a Band-aid. 

During your electrodesiccation and curettage recovery period, make sure to not submerge the area until the site is completely healed. Furthermore, avoid taking blood thinners, as the area may occasionally bleed after you leave the clinic.

CONTACT

Schedule a Electrodesiccation & Curettage Treatment in Westerville, OH

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with skin cancer or have noticed a suspicious skin lesion, the board-certified dermatologists at the Center for Surgical Dermatology may recommend electrodesiccation and curettage as a treatment. To learn more about electrodesiccation and curettage in Westerville, request an appointment online or give us a call at (614) 847-4100

Contact Us Today

Have questions or concerns? Please give us a call at 614.847.4100.

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