For certain types of skin cancers, the electrodesiccation and curettage may be selected.
The procedure consists of scraping and “burning” away from the unwanted growth.
What to Expect
Your surgeon will use an anesthetic to numb the area.
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This should be the only time you feel pain.
Most commonly, lidocaine with or without epinephrine is injected directly into the skin.
Let your surgeon know if you have ever had a bad reaction to numbing medication.
Additionally, let your physician know if you have a bleeding disorder and what medications you are taking.
How Long It Takes
The actual procedure does not take much timeusually less than an hour.
How to Take Care of Your Wound
After the procedure, you will have a depressed wound.
You will be able to shower and perform the wound bandaging as demonstrated to you at your visit.
Skin cancers can return even after this procedure.
Regardless, you should continue regular skin exams with your physician as surveillance for skin cancer.
Thomas DJ, King AR, Peat BG.Excision margins for nonmelanotic skin cancer.
2010;9(7):773-6.
