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 is usually impossible to determine on pathology.
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Skin, Right Shoulder, Biopsy with Curettage and Electrodesiccation (CED): - BASAL CELL CARCINOMA, margin status assessed clinically during CED.
Right Upper Lip, Biopsy with Curettage and Electrodesiccation (C+E): - INVASIVE SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA (well-differentiated), margin status assessed clinically during C+E.
Skin Lesion, Right Midline Back, Curettage and Electrodesiccation (C&E): - BASAL CELL CARCINOMA, margin status assessed clinically during C&E.
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.