Electrodesiccation and curettage
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Electrodesiccation and curettage, abbreviated EDC and E+C, is a procedure in which:
- The lesion is cut-off (sent to pathology).
- The surgical site is cauterized using electricity (electrodesiccation).
- The electrodesiccated tissue is scrapped off (curettage).
General
- EDCs are typically done by family physicians and dermatologists for non-melanoma skin cancers.[1]
- The practise is not without controversy.[1][2]
Limitations of the technique are:
- The margin status is assessed clinically.
- The pathologist cannot comment on whether the margin is clear or the surgical clearance.
- The size of the lesion may be impossible to determine on pathology.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Goldman, G. (Jul 2002). "The current status of curettage and electrodesiccation.". Dermatol Clin 20 (3): 569-78, ix. PMID 12170889.
- ↑ Reschly, MJ.; Shenefelt, PD. (Jul 2010). "Controversies in skin surgery: electrodessication and curettage versus excision for low-risk, small, well-differentiated squamous cell carcinomas.". J Drugs Dermatol 9 (7): 773-6. PMID 20677531.