Curettage and electrocautery
Mohs Center of Richmond Dermatology
Electrodessication and Curettage (ED&C)
This procedure removes the skin cancer by:
- Scraping away the cancer with a special instrument (curette)
- Using a small electrical device to destroy remaining cancer cells and control bleeding
Best for:
- Small basal cell carcinomas
- Certain low-risk skin cancers
Advantages
- Quick office procedure
- No stitches required
- Usually completed in one visit
- High cure rates for appropriately selected cancers
Possible Drawbacks
- Leaves a round scar
- Healing occurs over several weeks
- Not ideal for cosmetically sensitive areas such as the face
- Not appropriate for aggressive or deeply invasive skin cancers