Have you noticed a suspicious spot on your skin that won’t go away? Skin irregularities can cause major anxiety. When it comes to treating certain types of skin cancer and benign growths, you want a solution that is precise, effective, and performed with expert care. Electrodesiccation and curettage is a trusted, minimally invasive procedure designed to remove abnormal skin tissue quickly and safely, with the comfort of in-office.
At Skin & Beauty Center in Los Angeles, patients receive advanced dermatologic care at SoCal’s most comprehensive skin care center, where cutting-edge technology meets personalized treatment. Our experienced team delivers exceptional results with the highest standards of safety, precision, and compassion.
Types of Skin Cancer and Treatments
Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are the two most common types of skin cancer.
There are several pathologic subtypes of BCCs and SCCs. For less aggressive subtypes, such as superficial BCC, nodular BCC, and SCC in situ, several treatment options are available. These treatment options range from topical creams (typically reserved for superficial BCC and SCC in situ) to surgery (including both standard excisions and Mohs surgery).
Another treatment option for less aggressive BCCs and SCCs is electrodesiccation and curettage (ED&C).
Candidates for Electrodesiccation and Curettage
You may be a good candidate if you:
- Have a small, well-defined lesion limited to the upper layers of skin
- Need treatment for select low-risk BCC (such as superficial or nodular) or SCC in situ, depending on the location
- Have a benign growth your provider recommends removing (such as certain warts or seborrheic keratoses)
- Want a quick procedure that often doesn’t require stitches
ED&C may not be recommended for large, aggressive, recurrent, or deep lesions, or for lesions in high-risk/cosmetically sensitive areas (often the face, lips, ears, hands, feet, or genitals), where other treatments may be a better fit.
How Does Electrodesiccation and Curettage Work?
ED&C is most commonly offered for non-aggressive BCCs and SCCs that are located off the face.
This procedure is performed in our office under local anesthesia. Your dermatologist will numb the area with lidocaine injections. The tumor is then scraped off (curetted), and the remaining area is treated with an electric current to further destroy the tissue (electrodesiccation).
Skin affected by cancer feels more friable than normal skin, and the dermatologist uses this distinction to know how wide to curette. This process is usually repeated once or twice.
What Happens after ED&C Treatment?
After an ED&C, you will have an open wound to take care of until it heals. The size of the wound depends on the initial size of the cancer, and how far the cancer and subsequent curetting extends.
Wound care typically involves keeping the area moist with Vaseline or Aquaphor and a dressing until the area heals (usually within 1-2 months).
What are the Pros and Cons of ED&C for Skin Cancer?
The advantages of ED&C over an excision or Mohs surgery include a shorter procedure time and some patients prefer a circular scar to a more traditional straight line scar from stitches.
The disadvantage is that the cure rate from ED&C is lower than with excision or Mohs surgery because the procedure is not as deep and the tissue is not evaluated pathologically to ensure clear margins.
As always, your dermatologist at SBC will discuss with you which option(s) is best for you and your particular skin cancer and will guide you through the process.
Why Choose Skin and Beauty Center for ED&C
Skin and Beauty Center is Southern California’s premier full-service dermatology practice, offering comprehensive medical, surgical, and cosmetic skin care. Their team includes board-certified dermatologists, dermatopathologists, estheticians, and surgical specialists who work together to create personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. With a long history of serving the Los Angeles area and multiple convenient SoCal locations, Skin & Beauty Center brings advanced skin health solutions to patients of all ages.
At Skin & Beauty Center, your comfort and outcomes come first. From routine skin cancer treatment and lesion removal to cosmetic enhancements and preventative care, the team uses the latest techniques, tools, and technologies to ensure safe, effective results. Their focus on excellence and patient satisfaction has earned consistently high ratings and glowing reviews from patients who trust them for both everyday dermatologic concerns and complex procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ED&C be done the same day as a biopsy?
In some cases, yes. If a lesion is highly suggestive of a low-risk skin cancer, your provider may perform ED&C the same day. However, many providers prefer to confirm the diagnosis with biopsy results before proceeding.
What will I feel during the procedure?
A local anesthetic is used to numb the area, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. You may feel slight pressure, scraping, or mild warmth from the cauterization device.
What should I avoid while the area is healing?
Avoid picking or scratching the site, soaking it in pools or hot tubs, and strenuous activity that may cause friction or bleeding. Follow your provider’s wound care instructions closely to support proper healing and minimize scarring.
What are some signs of BCC or SCC?
BCC signs: A pearly or shiny bump, a pink/red patch, a sore that won’t heal (or keeps returning), easy bleeding, visible tiny blood vessels, or a scar-like pale area.
SCC signs: A firm red bump, a rough/scaly or crusted patch, a wart-like growth, a persistent sore, or a spot that’s tender, painful, or bleeds.
Restore Your Skin With Expert ED&C Care in Los Angeles, CA
If you have a suspicious lesion or have been diagnosed with a low-risk skin cancer, the skilled team at Skin & Beauty Center is here to help. Call 877-822-2223 to schedule your consultation and effectively address your skin concerns while protecting your long-term skin health.
