Curettage and desiccation is often used to remove uncomplicated skin cancers of the basal and squamous cell type. A spoon-shaped instrument known as a curette is used to scrape the lesion, after which the wound is cauterized to minimize bleeding and to decrease the possibility of the cells spreading to nearby areas.
When is this type of skin cancer treatment most effective?
Curettage and desiccation works best on superficial basal cell carcinomas and can also be effective in treating some squamous cell carcinomas. It is most often used on the trunk of the body or in areas where there is no cosmetic objection to scarring.
A dermatologist might choose curettage and desiccation for patients who cannot easily tolerate more complex or time-consuming procedures, such as Mohs surgery. For carefully selected skin cancers this method offers a high cure rate and is both cost-effective and efficient. For small, superficial skin cancers this procedure has little down time and recovery is usually uncomplicated.
What should I know about curettage and desiccation?
This skin cancer treatment begins by numbing of the affected area with a local anesthetic, after which a curette is employed to remove the abnormal cells by scraping them away. Desiccation uses controlled bursts of electrical current that cauterize the scraped areas. Most often the wound is allowed to heal without the need for sutures, but if sutures are required they are done after the desiccation. There is minimal to no pain and healing is usually smooth and uncomplicated.
The possible risks of this treatment are very minimal in the hands of a qualified skin cancer dermatologist, but as with any treatment there are a few, most of which resolve on their own. If there is swelling, bleeding, crusting, or recurrence of the original cancer, contact your dermatologist. Resolution of these problems may involve further office visits or treatment.