Electrodesiccation and Curettage (ED&C) is a common technique in dermatological surgery. This procedure removes various superficial skin lesions, including precancerous growths and certain low-risk skin cancers. It combines mechanical scraping (curettage) with the application of an electric current (electrodessication) to destroy abnormal tissue. ED&C is favored for its efficiency, low cost, and ability to be performed quickly in an outpatient setting.
The Procedure Explained
The ED&C process begins with the administration of a local anesthetic, typically lidocaine, to numb the treatment area. The dermatologist then initiates the curettage phase using a specialized surgical instrument called a curette. This scoop-like instrument mechanically scrapes away the soft, abnormal tissue of the lesion.
The scraping continues until the surgeon feels resistance, signaling the presence of firmer, healthy dermis beneath the lesion. This tactile difference helps ensure the removal of the entire visible growth. Following this mechanical removal, the electrodessication step uses a high-frequency electrical current delivered through a fine electrode to the wound base. This current generates heat, which destroys any residual diseased cells and coagulates surrounding small blood vessels.
This cycle of curettage and electrodesiccation is typically repeated two to three times on the same site. Repeating the cycle ensures a broader and deeper treatment area to eliminate microscopic remnants of the lesion. By thermally sealing the wound, electrodessication controls bleeding without the need for sutures, allowing the wound to heal secondarily.
Primary Uses in Dermatology
ED&C is an effective treatment for specific types of low-risk, superficial skin cancers. It is frequently employed for small, well-defined lesions of superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) in situ (Bowen’s disease). These cancers are good candidates because they remain confined to the upper layers of the skin, making them accessible to the technique.
The technique’s success depends on the lesion’s characteristics, including its size, depth, and location. ED&C is also routinely used to remove various benign or precancerous skin conditions. These include common lesions such as seborrheic keratoses, viral warts, and actinic keratoses.
The choice of ED&C is often based on its ability to offer quick resolution without requiring complex surgical closure. The dermatologist assesses the lesion’s features to determine if ED&C is the most appropriate treatment, balancing cosmetic outcome and the risk of recurrence.
What to Expect During Healing
Immediately following the procedure, the treated area is covered with a protective dressing. Patients are instructed to keep the site clean and dry for the first 24 hours. Daily wound care involves gently washing the site with mild soap and water and applying petroleum jelly or a similar healing ointment to prevent infection.
Maintaining a consistently moist environment promotes faster healing and minimizes heavy scab formation. Healing timelines vary depending on the site. Wounds on the trunk and head typically heal within two to four weeks. Areas with poorer circulation, particularly the lower legs, may require a significantly longer period, sometimes taking two to three months to fully close.
As the wound heals, a slight yellowish discharge and a mild ring of redness around the edges are normal. The final cosmetic result is typically a small, circular scar that may appear slightly depressed or lighter than the surrounding skin (hypopigmentation). Regular follow-up appointments monitor the site for proper healing and check for recurrence, especially with treated skin cancers.