Yes, a small flat or slightly depressed scar usually forms, sometimes lighter in colour than surrounding skin. This is why the technique is reserved for non-cosmetic areas where appearance is less critical.

✦ OFFICE-BASED SKIN CANCER TREATMENT

Curettage and Electrodessication

Q: Is this technique suitable for face lesions?

Generally not. Face lesions, especially in cosmetically sensitive areas, are better treated with formal excision or Mohs surgery for the best cosmetic and oncological outcome.

Q: How long does the wound take to heal?

The wound typically heals in 2–3 weeks with simple wound care and antibiotic ointment. There are usually no significant restrictions during healing.

Q: Can the cancer come back?

Cure rates are high (over 95%) when the technique is used for the right type of lesion. Long-term skin checks are recommended to detect any new lesions or rare recurrence early.

Office procedure using gentle scraping and controlled electrical current to remove select small, superficial skin cancers — quick, effective, and ideal for low-risk lesions in non-cosmetic areas.

15–30 min PROCEDURE

Office Procedure SETTING

>95% CURE RATE

Same Day RETURN TO ROUTINE

What is Curettage and Electrodessication?

Curettage and Electrodessication is a quick, office-based technique for removing select small, superficial skin cancers — particularly low-risk basal cell carcinomas and certain squamous cell carcinomas in non-cosmetic areas. The lesion is gently scraped (curetted) and the base is then treated with controlled electrical current (electrodessication) to destroy any remaining cancer cells. The cycle is typically repeated 2–3 times for thorough treatment. Dr. Tejasree Vengala offers curettage and electrodessication at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad, for carefully selected superficial lesions where this technique gives excellent results.

Suitable for select small, superficial, low-risk basal cell carcinomas and certain superficial squamous cell carcinomas, especially in non-cosmetic areas of the trunk, arms or legs.

How the Procedure Works

Local Anaesthesia

The area is marked and local anaesthesia is given. The procedure is comfortable and performed in an outpatient setting.

Curettage

A small spoon-shaped instrument (curette) is used to gently scrape away the soft cancer tissue, which is sent for biopsy.

Electrodessication

The base and edges are treated with controlled electrical current to destroy any remaining cancer cells and stop minor bleeding.

Repeat Cycles

The curettage-electrodessication cycle is typically repeated 2–3 times for complete treatment of low-risk superficial lesions.

Wound Care

The wound is dressed and left to heal naturally over 2–3 weeks, with simple antibiotic ointment and dressings as needed.

Outcomes

15–30 minDURATION

OfficeSETTING

>95%CURE RATE

2–3 WeeksFULL HEALING

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Quick, office-based procedure with no major surgery
→Effective for select small, superficial low-risk skin cancers
→No stitches required — heals naturally
→Same-day return to normal activities
→Cost-effective compared to formal excision
→Highly suitable for older patients with simple lesions

Curettage and electrodessication is one of those techniques where simplicity is its strength — for the right patient with a small, low-risk lesion, it is fast, effective and avoids stitches altogether. The key is patient and lesion selection.

— — Dr. Tejasree Vengala, Consultant Proctologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I have a scar?+

Is this technique suitable for face lesions?+

How long does the wound take to heal?+

Can the cancer come back?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Tejasree Vengala and get a personalised treatment plan.

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