Electrodesiccation and curettage is one of the oldest techniques in dermatologic surgery, and its longevity reflects its effectiveness in the right context. For appropriate patients with appropriate tumors in appropriate locations, it offers a quick, effective, suture-free treatment option with good cure rates and minimal recovery time.
The procedure combines two complementary mechanisms. Curettage uses a small, spoon-shaped instrument to physically scrape away tumor tissue — cancerous cells have a different texture and cohesiveness than surrounding normal skin, allowing the surgeon to feel the difference. Electrodesiccation then applies a low-level electrical current to the wound bed, destroying cells at the margins and controlling bleeding. The cycle is typically repeated two to three times.
When ED&C is appropriate
ED&C is most appropriate for low-risk, superficial basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas in situ on the trunk, arms, or legs — areas where the tissue is thick enough for confident treatment depth, and where cosmetic outcome is less critical. It is not appropriate for tumors in high-risk locations (face, ears, scalp, hands), recurrent cancers, or tumors with aggressive histological features. In those situations, Mohs surgery or excision with margin assessment is the better approach. We use ED&C selectively, when it’s genuinely the right tool.
What to expect
The area is numbed with a local anesthetic injection. The curettage-electrodesiccation cycle is performed and repeated, with the entire procedure typically taking 15 to 30 minutes. No sutures are placed — the wound heals by secondary intention over two to four weeks as new skin grows in. The healed result is typically a flat, slightly lighter, round scar. Most patients can return to normal activities immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How does the cure rate compare to other approaches?
For appropriately selected tumors in appropriate locations, ED&C achieves cure rates comparable to excision — in the range of 90 to 95 percent for primary low-risk BCCs on the trunk and extremities. For tumors in high-risk locations or with aggressive features, excision or Mohs provides meaningfully higher cure rates, which is why patient and tumor selection matters.
Is it painful?
The local anesthetic injection produces a brief sting. The procedure itself should be painless, though some patients feel a mild vibration from the electrodesiccation component. Soreness at the treated site for a day or two afterward is common.
What does the scar look like?
The wound heals as a round, flat, typically pale scar. On the trunk and extremities these are generally cosmetically acceptable. On the face or other visible areas, the inability to confirm clear margins histologically makes excision or Mohs the better option regardless of scar appearance.