Curettage
At The Dermatology & Skin Cancer Surgery Center at Creedmoor, we offer curettage as a treatment option for those struggling with skin cancers, warts, or noncancerous growths.
EXAMPLES OF CURETTAGE
Curettage Explained
It may be used to remove benign growths such as warts or cysts or as part of a biopsy procedure to investigate suspicious or potentially cancerous skin lesions. The procedure is considered minimally invasive and is commonly performed on an outpatient basis. Dermatologists utilize curettage as a versatile tool for both diagnosing and treating a range of skin issues.
Benefits of Curettage
- Benign Lesion Removal: Effectively removes benign skin issues like warts and cysts for cosmetic improvement.
- Diagnostic Tool: Provides a sample for accurate diagnosis, aiding in identifying skin conditions.
- Skin Cancer Treatment: Minimally invasive option for superficial skin cancers, offering simplicity and effectiveness resulting in minimal scarring.
- Outpatient Convenience: Typically performed on an outpatient basis, curettage allows for a swift return home with minimal downtime.
How The Dermatology & Skin Cancer Surgery Center at Creedmoor Can Help
Curettage FAQs
Curettage means the removal of tissue or growth by scooping or scraping with a curette tool. This special technique is typically used to remove cancerous and non-cancerous lesions.
Curettage removes skin cancer by scraping away cancerous cells and destroying the remaining cells through the use of electrodesiccation (burning the area with an electric needle). In most cases, dermatologists perform curettage in many layers to remove the lesion. You can expect three cycles of curettage and electrodesiccation.
This type of skin cancer treatment aims to completely eliminate any cancerous cells and is highly effective, with cure rates up to 95%.
Curettage is used primarily for small lesions or growths. This type of skin cancer treatment is not recommended for high-risk sites or aggressive forms of skin cancer. Similar to cryosurgery, curettage has the best cure rate for superficial basal cell or squamous carcinomas.
Curettage is most often performed on the trunk of the body. This type of treatment is not recommended for difficult sites, such as the eyelids, genitalia, lips and ears, or any cosmetically sensitive sites, as the procedure leaves a sizable, hypopigmented scar.
In most cases, patients can go home the same day as treatment. The procedure wound usually takes around 2 to 3 weeks to heal and leaves a scar, which is typically flat and round.
What to Expect at Your Curettage Appointment
The Curettage process involves using a spoon-shaped instrument to scrape away the targeted skin lesion, with attention to complete removal. After the procedure, wound care instructions and any necessary dressing will be provided. You'll receive post-treatment guidelines, including activities to avoid and skincare routines.
How to Prepare for a Curettage
Planning for Recovery after Curettage
After the curettage procedure, your provider will put a dressing on the area. It’s important that this dressing stays on for 24 hours following the procedure and that it does not get wet.
After 24 hours, it’s time to change the dressing. First, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. Then, remove the old dressing and gently wash the site with soap and warm water. It’s crucial that you do not scrub or scratch the site. Next, pat the area dry, cover it with a thick ointment, and apply a bandage.
During your curettage recovery period, make sure to not submerge the area until the site is completely healed. Furthermore, avoid taking blood thinners, as the area may occasionally bleed after you leave the clinic.
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