One common treatment for skin cancer is curettage and desiccation. It sounds complicated and painful, but it is one of the simplest treatments for skin cancer. This procedure is primarily used on small, superficial basal or squamous cell carcinomas. Because the procedure is likely to leave a visible scar it is not used to treat skin cancers located on the face.
What you should know about curettage and desiccation performed in Orange County
To perform this skin cancer treatment, the dermatologist first numbs the area with a local anesthetic. A special device called a curette that looks something like a spoon is used to perform the curettage. The curette is scraped over the skin to remove the abnormal cells, creating a wound. The wound is then desiccated with a device that cauterizes the wound with short bursts of electricity. The cauterizing procedure is intended to prevent recurrence of the skin cancer and to also stop the bleeding. The wound is usually left to heal without sutures.
What to expect following your procedure
Recovery time is minimal. Most patients can drive themselves home after the procedure and resume regular activities immediately. The wound will be mildly painful, but unless it is in a very inconvenient location it should not interfere with a patient’s ability to work or engage in any desired activities. The wound created by a curettage and desiccation procedure usually takes several weeks to heal completely. Patients may need to clean and bandage the wound daily at home.
Curettage and desiccation has a high rate of success in curing skin cancers. It is an efficient and cost-effective method to treat simple superficial skin cancers. Your skin cancer dermatologist will decide whether or not this the best way to treat the patient’s skin cancer.