Curettage and Electrosurgery for Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Surgery Overview Curettage is the process of scraping skin with a spoon-shaped tool (curette) to remove skin tissue. Electrosurgery is the burning of skin tissue with an electric current that runs through a metal tool or needle. It may be done after curettage to control bleeding and destroy any remaining cancer cells. The wound is then covered with an antibiotic dressing.
The skin is numbed with a local anesthetic
What To Expect
Recovery may take 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the extent of surgery. Keep the wound clean and dry. A scab will form over the area.
Why It Is Done
Curettage and electrosurgery are done to:
Treat cancers on the outer skin layer (superficial), especially if they are in an area where appearance is not a concern. Remove a small basal cell carcinoma Remove a squamous cell carcinoma in its earliest, non-invasive form (in situ, Bowen Remove a new skin cancer. Load More Information about Curettage and Electrosurgery for Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer
How Well It Works
Treatment with curettage and electrosurgery for skin cancer has a cure rate of nearly 99 out of 100 for basal cell cancer that is less than 1 cm (0.5 in.) wide. The cure rate is about 84 out of 100 if the cancer is larger than 2 cm (1 in.) wide.footnote 1
Risks
Risks of using curettage and electrosurgery for skin cancer include:
Skin changes, such as scarred or tight skin, slightly indented or raised skin, or change in skin colour to red or white. Bleeding. Pain. Infection. Recurrence of skin cancer. References
Citations Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine , 8th ed., vol. 1, pp. 1294–1303. New York: McGraw-Hill.Credits
Current as of: November 16, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
Current as of: November 16, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
Carucci JA, et al. (2012). Basal cell carcinoma. In LA Goldman et al., eds., Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine , 8th ed., vol. 1, pp. 1294–1303. New York: McGraw-Hill.
