Curettage and Electrodessication

This is a two-step method commonly used for superficial basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. First, the tumor is scraped off with a curette (a sharp, spoon-shaped instrument), then the area is treated with an electrode to destroy any remaining cancer cells.

Best for small, superficial skin cancers, typically on areas like the scalp or trunk. It is less invasive than traditional excision.

The area is usually left to heal on its own, but a follow-up is necessary to ensure no recurrence.

What Conditions Does Electrodesiccation Treatment Resolve?

This targeted treatment can be used to remove both cancerous and non-cancerous growths. For skin cancer patients, electrodesiccation treatment is often combined with the use of a curette – a small, spoon-shaped instrument designed to scrape away abnormal skin cells.

Is Electrodesiccation an Effective Treatment for Skin Cancer?

Yes. After removing the growth(s) and scraping away layers of cancer cells with a curette, your Seacoast dermatologist uses the electric needle to destroy any remaining cancer cells. Electrodesiccation can be used to treat basal or squamous cell carcinoma, which are the most common types of skin cancer.

Fortunately, if skin cancer is identified and treated early, most cancerous growths can be removed successfully. Be sure to contact your Seacoast dermatologist right away if you notice any changes on your skin, specifically a new growth or changes in the appearance of an existing growth. The main cause of skin cancer is overexposure to sunlight, so keep a close eye on the parts of your body that get the most sun (such as your face, shoulders, and arms).

What Are the Benefits of Electrodesiccation Treatment?

Electrodesiccation is a quick but extremely precise procedure for removing skin cancer. You typically do not feel any pain during treatment, no stitches are required, and the entire process takes less than an hour.

Almost everyone is eligible for electrodesiccation treatment, unless you have an implanted electrical device (such as a pacemaker).

What About Electrodesiccation Aftercare?

Your Seacoast dermatologist will give you care instructions to follow at home, but the shallow wound that results from electrodesiccation treatment should heal on its own. The healing process may take several weeks.

Do not wash the wound for the first 24-48 hours to allow the healing process to begin. After that, you can clean the wound with gentle soap and water as needed. You can also cover the wound with a bandage and antibiotic ointment each day until healing is complete.