Last Updated on October 20, 2025 by

Understanding how to treat skin cancer is key. The scrape and burn procedure, or curettage and electrodesiccation (ED&C), is a top choice. It’s done in a doctor’s office and works well for removing certain types of skin cancer. We’ll walk you through how it’s done, its benefits, and what you can expect.

The curettage and electrosurgery method uses a curette to remove cancer cells. Then, an electric current is applied to stop bleeding and kill any left-over cancer cells. Health resources say this might need to be done a few times to get rid of all cancer cells.

Key Takeaways

• The scrape and burn procedure is a highly effective treatment for superficial skin cancers.
• It involves scraping away cancerous cells and applying an electric current to control bleeding and destroy remaining cancer cells.
• The procedure is typically performed in a doctor’s office.
• It may require multiple repetitions to ensure all cancer cells are removed.
• The wound may take several weeks to heal.

Understanding the Scrape and Burn Procedure for Skin Cancer

ED&C is a simple yet effective method for removing skin cancers, like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. It involves two steps: curettage and electrodesiccation. Curettage is where the cancerous tissue is scraped away with a curette. Then, an electrical current is applied to destroy any remaining malignant cells.

What is Curettage and Electrodesiccation (ED&C)?

Curettage and Electrodesiccation (ED&C) is a type of electrosurgery for treating low-risk skin malignancies and pre-cancerous lesions. It’s quick, cost-effective, and can be done in an outpatient setting. The process starts with curettage, where a dermatologist removes the bulk of the tumor with a curette.

Then, electrodesiccation is applied to the area. This destroys any remaining cancer cells and controls bleeding.

For more information on related procedures, you might be interested in learning about the biopsy process and whether it is painful. You can find detailed information on this topic here.

Types of Skin Cancers Suitable for ED&C

ED&C is very effective for treating basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma that are low-risk. These cancers are often superficial and haven’t deeply invaded the surrounding tissue. This makes them ideal for the ED&C procedure.

We assess each patient’s condition to see if ED&C is the best treatment option.

The suitability of ED&C for a particular skin cancer depends on several factors. These include the size, location, and depth of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health. By carefully evaluating these factors, we can determine the best course of treatment.

Indications and Contraindications

Knowing when to use ED&C for oct-1202 is key. It depends on the lesion’s type, size, and where it is, plus the patient’s health.

Ideal Candidates for the Procedure

ED&C works well for small, superficial lesions, like basal cell carcinoma on the face. It’s best for lesions that are softer than the skin around them. It’s good for removing benign lesions, keratoacanthomas, basal cell carcinomas, and squamous cell carcinomas.

For example, people with basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma in specific spots might get ED&C. It’s because it can remove the tumor well without harming the skin around it.

When to Consider Alternative Treatments

There are times when you should think about other treatments. For instance, if the lesion is too big or deep, ED&C might not be the best choice. Also, if the lesion is in a high-risk area or you’re worried about how it looks, you might want to try something else.

ED&C isn’t right for all lesions. It’s not good for very large or invasive ones. Also, it’s not for areas where healing is hard, like the lower legs of older people or places with poor blood flow.

Size and Location Limitations

The size and where the lesion is matter a lot for ED&C. Smaller lesions usually work better. The spot on your body also affects how well ED&C can treat it.

Lesion Characteristic	Ideal for ED&C	Not Ideal for ED&C
Size	Small to moderate	Large or extensive
Location	Face, trunk, extremities	High-risk areas, lower legs in elderly
Type	Superficial basal cell, squamous cell	Invasive or deeply penetrating

Required Equipment and Materials

To do the curettage and electrodesiccation procedure right, you need the right tools. This method is key for treating many skin cancers. Having the correct equipment is vital for success.

Surgical Instruments

The main tool for ED&C is the curette. Curettes vary in size and shape, from round to oval. They help remove cancerous tissue.

They come in sizes like 1 mm, 2 mm, 4 mm, and 7 mm. Curettes are made to scrape, not cut. The size you choose depends on the cancer’s size and where it is.

Electrosurgical Unit

An electrosurgical unit (ESU) is key for the electrodesiccation part. It uses high-frequency electrical current to kill any leftover cancer cells after scraping.

It’s important to pick an ESU that applies the current carefully. This helps avoid harming healthy tissue around the cancer.

Additional Supplies

For the ED&C procedure, you also need other things. These include local anesthetics to numb the area, gauze for stopping bleeding, and materials for dressing the wound after.

Supply	Purpose
Local Anesthetics	Numbing the area to minimize pain
Gauze	Hemostasis and wound cleaning
Dressing Materials	Post-procedure wound care

Having the right tools and supplies is key for a safe and effective ED&C procedure. Knowing what you need helps healthcare pros prepare well for treating skin cancers.

Pre-Procedure Patient Preparation

Before starting the scrape and burn procedure, we need to prepare the patient well. This includes several important steps. These steps are key for the treatment’s success and the patient’s safety.

Patient Assessment and Consent

We start by checking the patient’s health and the skin lesion’s details. We look at their medical history, including allergies or conditions that could impact the procedure or healing. It’s also important to get informed consent.

Informed consent is more than a formality. It’s a must for ethical and legal reasons. We make sure the patient or their guardian signs the consent form after discussing any questions or concerns.

Marking the Lesion and Surrounding Margins

Marking the lesion and its margins correctly is key for the ED&C procedure’s success. We use a surgical marker to outline the area to be treated. This includes enough margin around the visible lesion to cover any microscopic extensions.

Next, we clean the area with an antiseptic solution to lower infection risk. We then use plain lignocaine to numb the area. This ensures the patient is comfortable during the procedure.

Positioning the Patient

Getting the patient in the right position is critical. It helps us access the lesion better and keeps the patient comfortable and safe. We adjust the examination table or chair to the right height and angle for easy procedure performance.

Positioning Considerations	Benefits
Comfortable patient positioning	Reduces patient anxiety and movement
Optimal access to the lesion	Enhances procedural accuracy and safety
Adjustable examination table	Facilitates ergonomic working conditions for the practitioner

By carefully preparing the patient, we ensure a successful ED&C procedure. This approach guarantees the treatment’s effectiveness and the patient’s comfort and safety.

Anesthesia Administration Techniques

To make the ED&C procedure painless, the right anesthesia techniques are key. Good anesthesia ensures patient comfort and treatment success.

Local Anesthetic Options

Choosing the right local anesthetic is vital for ED&C. We often pick plain lignocaine for its numbing effect. This choice avoids issues with the electrosurgical unit.

Key considerations for local anesthetic selection include:

• Potency and duration of action
• Potential for allergic reactions or sensitivities
• Compatibility with the electrosurgical equipment

Infiltration Techniques

Infiltration involves injecting anesthetic into the tissue around the lesion. Proper technique is essential for effective numbing. We inject slowly to reduce pain and ensure even distribution.

Effective infiltration technique tips:

• Use a fine needle (e.g., 30-gauge) to minimize pain
• Inject slowly to reduce discomfort
• Ensure adequate volume to cover the lesion and margins

Managing Patient Comfort

Comfort goes beyond anesthesia. It’s about creating a supportive environment and clear communication. We explain the procedure and listen to patient concerns.

Strategies for enhanced patient comfort include:

• Clear communication about the procedure
• Creating a calm and reassuring environment
• Monitoring patient comfort levels throughout the procedure

By focusing on effective anesthesia and patient care, we improve the ED&C experience for skin cancer patients.

Step-by-Step Scrape and Burn Procedure for Skin Cancer

The scrape and burn procedure, also known as curettage and electrodesiccation (ED&C), is a common treatment for skin cancer. It involves removing the cancerous lesion and then using an electric current to kill any leftover cancer cells.

Initial Curettage Technique

We start by using a 3“4 mm curette to remove the lesion. It’s important to have enough skin tension. The curettage should be done vigorously in different directions to remove the tumor well.

Curettage Tips:

• Use firm, gentle pressure to avoid damaging surrounding tissue.
• Scrape in multiple directions to ensure thorough removal.
• Be cautious not to press too hard, which can cause unnecessary trauma to the skin.

Identifying the Tumor Margins

After the initial curettage, we carefully examine the area to identify the tumor margins. This step is key to ensure all cancerous cells are removed.

Margin Identification:

• Visually inspect the area for any remaining tumor tissue.
• Use the curette to gently feel for any abnormalities.
• Mark the margins if necessary for further treatment.

Electrodesiccation Process

After curettage, we use electrodesiccation to kill any remaining cancer cells. This involves using an electrosurgical unit to deliver a controlled electric current to the affected area.

Step	Description
1	Set the electrosurgical unit to the appropriate setting.
2	Apply the electrode to the treated area.
3	Deliver the electric current to destroy remaining cancer cells.

Multiple Cycles Approach

The doctor may repeat the ED&C process 2 or 3 more times to ensure complete removal of the tumor. Each cycle involves curettage followed by electrodesiccation.

By following this step-by-step guide, healthcare professionals can effectively perform the scrape and burn procedure for skin cancer. This helps achieve the best results for their patients.

Anatomical Considerations for Different Locations

The success of the ED&C procedure for skin cancer depends on knowing the body’s different areas. It’s key to understand the unique features of each area when treating skin cancers.

Basal Cell Cancer Removal from Face

Basal cell carcinoma is a common skin cancer found on the face. For superficial lesions, like basal cell excision on the face, ED&C is a top choice. We must be careful around the eyes, nose, and mouth because of their complex anatomy and the risk of cosmetic damage.

Trunk and Extremities Approach

The trunk and extremities are also common spots for skin cancers. When doing ED&C here, we look at the skin’s thickness and scarring risk. The skin’s flexibility in these areas can impact the procedure’s ease and healing. Curettage and cautery work well for trunk and extremities lesions, but we must consider their size and depth.

Special Considerations for High-Risk Areas

Areas like the scalp, ears, and around the eyes are high-risk due to their complex anatomy or closeness to important structures. More information on managing high-risk areas can be found in specialized medical resources. We need to be extra careful and might need to adjust our method when treating these spots to reduce risks and improve results.

Depth Considerations for Different Cancer Types

When doing the scrape and burn procedure, knowing the depth for each skin cancer type is key. The depth of curettage and electrodesiccation (ED&C) greatly affects treatment success. Each skin cancer invades to different depths, and knowing these differences is vital for good treatment.

Basal Cell Carcinoma Removal Depth

For basal cell carcinoma (BCC), curettage usually goes into the superficial dermis. BCCs are usually not very deep. But, the depth can change based on the type and how long the lesion has been there.

How Deep to Cut for Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is often more invasive than BCC. So, the curettage depth might need to be deeper. For invasive SCC, it might go into deeper dermal layers or even subcutaneous tissue.

Adapting Technique Based on Lesion Characteristics

The treatment method must change based on the lesion’s size, location, and type. Larger or more invasive lesions might need deeper curettage. Smaller, shallower lesions might need less.

Cancer Type	Typical Depth of Curettage	Considerations
Basal Cell Carcinoma	Superficial dermis	Often superficial, may vary by subtype
Squamous Cell Carcinoma	May extend to deeper dermal layers or subcutaneous tissue	Can be more invasive, depth adjusted based on invasion level

Knowing the depth needs for different skin cancers is critical for effective ED&C treatment. By adjusting the curettage depth based on the lesion’s type and features, doctors can better help patients.

Post-Procedure Wound Management

After a scrape and burn procedure for skin cancer, taking care of the wound is key. How well you manage the wound can affect healing and treatment success.

Immediate Wound Care

Right after the ED&C procedure, we put a dry dressing on the wound. This first step helps prevent infection and aids in healing. “The wound may take 3 to 6 weeks to heal,” so keeping it clean and dry is important.

Watch for signs of infection like more redness, swelling, or discharge. If you see these, call your doctor right away.

Dressing Application

Applying the dressing is a big part of wound care. We use a dry dressing at the end of the procedure. It might need to be changed often, based on your needs and our advice.

Key considerations for dressing application include:

• Keeping the dressing clean and dry
• Changing the dressing as instructed by healthcare professionals
• Observing the wound for any adverse reactions

Patient Instructions

Following your doctor’s instructions is vital for wound healing. We give you detailed guidance on wound care, including dressing changes and spotting complications.

“Proper wound care is critical for avoiding complications and getting the best cosmetic results.” Stick to these instructions and don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare team if you have questions.

By following these steps and staying in touch with your healthcare team, you can have a smooth recovery. This will help you get the best results from your ED&C procedure.

Efficacy and Expected Outcomes

When looking at skin cancer treatments, knowing how well ED&C works is key. The ED&C method is well-studied and proven effective for treating skin cancer.

Cure Rates for Different Cancer Types

Studies show cure rates over 90% for some cases. Cure rates for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are high when treated with ED&C.

• Basal Cell Carcinoma: Cure rates range from 92% to 98% in primary cases.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Cure rates are generally lower than basal cell carcinoma but show significant success, mainly for low-risk lesions.

Cosmetic Results

Cosmetic results after ED&C are often good, thanks to skilled practitioners. The method causes little tissue loss, leading to better healing and less scarring.

Factors influencing cosmetic results include:

• The size and location of the lesion.
• The skill of the practitioner performing the ED&C.
• Post-procedure wound care.

Factors Affecting Success Rates

Several factors can impact ED&C success rates:

1. The type and stage of skin cancer.
2. Lesion size and location.
3. Patient selection and overall health.
4. The expertise of the practitioner.

Comparison with Other Skin Cancer Treatments

ED&C is a strong option for treating superficial and low-risk lesions. It stands out for:

• Being minimally invasive with less tissue damage.
• Quick recovery times.
• High cure rates for the right cases.

But, it’s important to think about each patient’s needs and the specifics of their lesion when picking a treatment.

Conclusion

The scrape and burn procedure, also known as curettage and electrodesiccation (ED&C), is a top choice for treating superficial skin cancers. It’s quick, affordable, and works well when done right on the right lesions.

We’ve covered the main steps and things to think about for the ED&C procedure. It’s key to pick the right patients and use the right technique. The success of the scrape and burn method is proven, making it a great option for some skin cancers.

In summary, the success of ED&C for skin cancer depends a lot on the doctor’s skill and choosing the right patients. By mastering the technique and following best practices, doctors can get the best results for their patients. This shows how effective the scrape and burn method is in fighting skin cancer.

FAQ

References

• American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. (n.d.). Curettage and desiccation for skin cancer. https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-treatments/curettage-and-desiccation

• The Skin Cancer Foundation. (n.d.). Basal cell carcinoma treatment. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma/bcc-treatment-options/

• American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Basal & squamous cell skin cancer surgery. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer/treating/surgery.html