Electrodesiccation & Curettage (ED&C) in Miami, FL

Skin Cancer Treatment Without Surgical Excision

Electrodesiccation and curettage (ED&C), also known as “scrape and burn”, is a skin cancer removal technique that scrapes away abnormal tissue and applies electrical current to control bleeding and destroy remaining cells. This technique for removing skin cancers is generally reserved for lesions located more superficially in the skin. Miami’s year-round high levels of sun exposure make superficial cancerous lesions a common finding in the office of Chloe Goldman, MD, FAAD.

How ED&C Works

First the area is marked and numbed with a local anesthetic. A curette, a type of surgical instrument, first scrapes away the abnormal tissue at the lesion’s surface, the curettage treatment portion of the procedure. Electrodesiccation is then applied to the site, stopping any bleeding and destroying remaining abnormal cells at the treated depth. The two steps are typically repeated twice more during the same session to ensure that no abnormal tissue remains at the treated site. The entire procedure is typically completed in ten minutes. After the procedure, Vaseline or an antibiotic ointment is applied to the wound and covered with a bandage. No sutures (stitches) are needed in this procedure.

When is an ED&C recommended?

Low-risk skin cancers

Superficial cases where the depth and subtype make ED&C a suitable option.

Location

Particularly suited to the chest, back, arms, or legs — not typically used on the face or hair-bearing areas.

Patients who aren't surgical candidates

A practical option for patients with comorbidities that make more involved surgical procedures higher risk.

FAQ

Is this treatment used for skin cancer?

This electrodesiccation and curettage in Miami, FL approach serves as a skin cancer treatment for certain superficial cases. Our providers determine that the lesion’s depth, type, and location are all appropriate for this particular technique.

How is this different from excision?

This curettage treatment scrapes and treats a cancer at the skin’s surface using a curette and electric current. Excision, by contrast, removes the growth surgically along with a margin of surrounding tissue. Dr. Chloe Goldman and our providers choose the appropriate treatment approach based on the growth’s depth, type, and overall behavior beneath the skin. Furthermore, she considers patients’ individual desires and comorbidities, always approaching each case on its own merits.

Does it leave a scar?

Electrodesiccation and curettage can leave a scar. The scar is typically dime-like in appearance, lighter than the surrounding skin. For this reason, ED&C is not performed on facial skin or in hair-bearing areas.

How long does it take to heal afterward?

The treated area typically scabs over within a few weeks, and then the scab sheds a few weeks after that. New, healthy skin gradually forms beneath the scab throughout the healing period, as the site continues to settle and mature over the following months. Different parts of the body have different healing times. The lower extremities typically have longer healing times than those on the back, arms, or chest.

Is this a one-time treatment?

Most cancers clear completely with a one-session skin lesion removal. Unlike with an excision, there is no excised tissue to send to pathology to confirm margin clearance. Instead, Dr. Chloe Goldman visualizes and marks the lesion borders before the procedure to achieve clearance and prevent recurrence. Furthermore, the electrodesiccation part of the procedure can destroy remaining cancer cells in the area. During follow-up skin examinations, Dr. Goldman and our providers examine the site for recurrence and ensure proper healing.

Is it painful?

After receiving local anesthesia, patients are numb and only feel pressure. After the procedure, there is no pain, although there can be tenderness for a few days.