Over the years, treatment of skin cancer has undergone several changes. While some of the older methods remain, although updated, research and technology have created some new and different methods. Which method is right for you will depend upon a variety of factors. These include age, health, type of skin cancer and location of the tumor. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a procedure combing two techniques. This is curettage and electrodessication.
Curettage and Electrodessication
The term “curettage” indicates the choice of tool. This is a razor sharp curette or scalpel. It resembles somewhat a spoon. The word “electrodessication” refers to the use of an electric probe. This tool is often called an electrocautery. This type of treatment combines the two procedures to destroy the skin cancer cells.1
The treatment is not, however, suitable for all types of skin cancer. It is a common treatment for dealing with basal cell carcinoma – a non-melanoma cancer.2 Currettage and electrodessication is particularly effective when applied to this form of cancer when it is located on the trunk of the body and/or the extremities. The procedure may also be used against squamous cell carcinoma, although less effectively and commonly. Yet, whatever the type of skin cancer and wherever the location, the tumors must be small to increase the chance of the effectiveness of the procedure.3
Procedure
The process of this treatment is not complicated. The area around the malignant cancer cells is first prepared by swabbing it with a substance frequently iodine. This decreases the presence of any surface bacteria. Next, the designated skin surface is numbed using a local anesthetic. An example of this is Xylocaine. He or she then proceeds to operate to remove and/or destroy the cancer cells. The surgeon can then elect to perform either curettage or electrodessication first.
When the first procedure is electrodessication, the surgeon takes an electrified needle or probe. The surgeon is able to control the amount of electricity flowing through the needle. This ensures the patient and the tumor receive sufficient and not too much electricity to explode the cancer cells. The electric needle generates heat. This results in an explosion of the tumor cells. They are “desiccated” (burst into several pieces). The result is the cancer cells are destroyed. The cells around the wound may also be cauterized. This stops any bleeding. The surgeon then moves onto the next step – curettage.
After desiccating the cancer cells, the surgeon takes the curette or scalpel. The purpose of this is simple. He or she employs it to scrape away the cancerous cell tissue.4 Once the surgeon has completed both electrodessication and curettage, or curettage and desiccation, the procedure is finished. Beyond the prescribing of pain pills for several days, if necessary, you are free to go home the very day of the procedure.
A wound will remain visible. You will need to keep the incision covered and dry for a minimum of forty-eight hours. It will be sore for only a few days. It will also heal in one or two weeks. During this period, you should arrange to see your doctor. An examination will reveal how the healing process is proceeding. Your doctor may also have to talk to you about a pathological report. This will confirm whether or not the skin cancer is present any longer.
No treatment will occur until after it has healed. If necessary, the surgeon can repeat the cycle of destroying cells and scraping them out one or two more times until the procedure proves effective.5
Advantages of Curettage and Electrodessication
There are a few advantages if you and your doctor decide upon curettage and electrodessication.
Among them are:
- It is quick
- The procedure is relatively easy when compared to some forms of surgery, radiation treatment and chemotherapy
- The procedure can address several pockets of cancer cells at the same time
- There are no stitches
- The treatment removes less of the normal cells than a surgical procedure will
You need to consider these before you decide upon whether this is suitable for your type and size of skin cancer. You also need to look at any disadvantages that may be related to or arise from curettage and electrodessication.
Disadvantages of the Procedure
No procedure is without some type of problem. Curettage and electrodessication is no exception. Disadvantages to this type of treatment include:
- It is only reliable for the treatment of small tumors
- It is not suitable for recurrent tumors
- Pockets can be missed if the tumor is larger than suitable
- Healing will take longer than with various types of surgical removal
- It is possible you may have a scar. These range from tiny to deforming from excessive scar thickening
- Complications can occur including excessive scarring, infections of the incisions, deformity and, unfortunately, a reoccurrence of the tumor6
Once you understand both the advantages and disadvantages of this form of cancer treatment, you can talk to your doctor about whether it looks right for you. Make the arrangements to proceed. During and after the treatment ends, take the advice of the experts. Protect yourself and your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. It is the only way you can avoid the sometimes deadly consequences of this avoidable form of cancer.
References
1 Sarg, M. S. and Gross, A. D. (2007). The Cancer Dictionary Third Edition. New York: Checkmark Books.
2 Mayo Clinic staff (2011). “Skin Cancer.” www.mayoclinic.com/health/skin-cancer/DS00190/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
3 Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre (2011). “Skin Cancer.” www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/5443.cfm (National Cancer Organization, 2011)
4 National Cancer Institute (2011). “Cancer Topics: Treatment.” Retrieved from www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdg/treatment/skin/Patient/page5
5 McLanhan, S. and McLanhan, D. (2002). Surgery And Its Alternatives. New York: TwinStream Books.
6 Ibid.
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