Understanding Curettage
Curettage is a medical procedure used to remove skin lesions, typically non-melanoma skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. It involves scraping the affected area with a curette, a spoon-shaped instrument, to remove the abnormal tissue. At our Skin Cancer Center, curettage is performed by skilled dermatologists to effectively treat superficial skin cancers.
How Curettage Works
During the procedure:
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area before the procedure begins.
- Curettage: The dermatologist uses a curette to gently scrape away the cancerous tissue layer by layer. This process helps ensure complete removal while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
- Electrodessication: In some cases, electrodessication may be used after curettage. This involves applying an electric current to the treated area to destroy any remaining cancer cells and control bleeding.
Advantages of Curettage
- Minimally Invasive: Curettage is a minimally invasive procedure that can often be performed in an outpatient setting.
- Quick Recovery: Patients typically experience minimal discomfort and can resume normal activities shortly after the procedure.
- High Success Rate: Curettage is highly effective for treating superficial non-melanoma skin cancers, with a low risk of recurrence when performed by experienced dermatologists.
Post-Procedure Care
After curettage:
- Wound Care: You will receive instructions on how to care for the treated area to promote healing and minimize scarring.
- Follow-up: Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor healing and ensure no signs of recurrence.
Why Choose Us?
At our Skin Cancer Center, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers using advanced techniques such as curettage. Our team of dermatologists is committed to providing personalized care and achieving optimal outcomes for our patients.
