What is Electrodessication used for?

A curettage and electrodesiccation, also known as a curettage and desiccation, is a skin cancer treatment used to remove basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. During the procedure, your doctor will scrape the affected skin surface with a curette (a spoon-shaped instrument).

How long does an Electrodessication take to heal?

A wound from Electrodesiccation and Curettage (ED&C) typically takes 2-3 weeks to heal. If the treatment is performed on the lower extremities, the wound can take 2-3 months to fully heal. ED&C may be performed more than once if additional cancerous cells present themselves in the same area.

Does Electrodessication cause scarring?

Electrodessication is a very safe procedure and serious complications are extremely rare. Discomfort associated with the procedure is temporary and scabs that form where the growth had been usually heal within three weeks. Scarring and permanent skin discoloration are very uncommon.

How is Electrodessication done?

Scraping or burning-off skin growths (also known as electrodesiccation and curettage) can be used for less serious skin cancers, pre-cancers and benign growths. A local anesthetic is injected, and then the abnormal tissue is scraped off with a special tool. The area is then cauterized until bleeding stops.

What is Electrodessication surgery?

Electrodesiccation is a non-surgical procedure that uses electrical impulses to destroy both benign and cancerous superficial skin growths. By applying a brief electrical impulse through the tumor using a specialized probe, it causes “desiccation” or drying of the tissue by heating up only the water content.

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Is Electrodessication the same as electrocautery?

Electrofulguration distinguishes itself from electrodesiccation by the lack of direct contact of the unheated electrode with the skin. The result is superficial epidermal carbonization via sparks from the electrode, which is held 1-2 mm above the skin's surface.

Does neurofibromatosis grow back after surgery?

Because it is often hard to remove all of a plexiform, surgeons often can only take out a portion of the tumor. This is called a debulking procedure. Unfortunately, plexiform neurofibromas may grow back after surgery.

Can you burn off a basal cell carcinoma?

Cryotherapy. Cryotherapy (cryosurgery) can be used for some small basal cell carcinomas, but it's not usually recommended for larger tumors or those on certain parts of the nose, ears, eyelids, scalp, or legs.

Can you scrape off basal cell carcinoma?

The dermatologist scrapes or shaves off the BCC using a curette (a sharp instrument with a ring-shaped tip), then uses heat or a chemical agent to destroy remaining cancer cells, stop the bleeding and seal off the wound.

How long can basal cell carcinoma go untreated?

This type of skin cancer is one of the most aggressive -- it spreads at an alarming rate throughout the body. In as little as six weeks, melanoma could threaten your life because it has spread from your skin to other organs and tissues throughout your body.

What should I do after Electrodessication?

How long does cauterized skin take to heal?

Healing usually takes place within two to four weeks. It may take longer if a large area of tissue has been treated.

Is electrodesiccation the same as Fulguration?

Electrodesiccation can be used to treat fine telangiectasias and spider angiomas. FIGURE 1. In fulguration, the electrode is held away from the skin to produce a sparking at the skin surface and more shallow tissue destruction (Figure 1, part B).

What is the major cause of basal cell carcinoma?

Most basal cell carcinomas are thought to be caused by long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight. Avoiding the sun and using sunscreen may help protect against basal cell carcinoma.

Can squamous cell carcinoma be burned off?

Cryotherapy. Cryotherapy (cryosurgery) is used for some early squamous cell cancers, especially in people who can't have surgery, but is not recommended for larger invasive tumors or those on certain parts of the nose, ears, eyelids, scalp, or legs.

Does electrocautery leave scars?

Electrocauterization should effectively stop bleeding if it's used during surgery or after an injury. After surgery, you may notice swelling, redness, and mild pain. Depending on the surgery performed, you may develop scar tissue afterward.

What are the warning signs of basal cell carcinoma?

Should I worry if I have basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma is a cancer that grows on parts of your skin that get a lot of sun. It's natural to feel worried when your doctor tells you that you have it, but keep in mind that it's the least risky type of skin cancer. As long as you catch it early, you can be cured.

Is there a cream to treat basal cell carcinoma?

The creams used to treat basal cell skin cancer are imiquimod and 5-FU (fluorouracil). They contain powerful medicines that cause a painful irritation in the treated area. The skin gets inflamed and crusts over as it heals. You apply the cream every day or two for several weeks.

Does basal cell carcinoma grow deep?

Basal cell carcinoma spreads very slowly and very rarely will metastasize, Dr. Christensen says. But if it's not treated, basal cell carcinoma can continue to grow deeper under the skin and cause significant destruction to surrounding tissues.

What is the most common treatment for basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma is most often treated with surgery to remove all of the cancer and some of the healthy tissue around it. Options might include: Surgical excision. In this procedure, your doctor cuts out the cancerous lesion and a surrounding margin of healthy skin.

What happens if you don't remove basal cell?

In particular, BCCs rarely spread beyond the initial tumor site. However, left untreated, BCCs can grow deeper into the skin and damage surrounding skin, tissue, and bone. Occasionally, a BCC can become aggressive, spreading to other parts of the body and even becoming life threatening.

Can I donate blood if I have neurofibromatosis?

Must not donate if:

Neurofibromatosis is an inherited condition that causes tumours (swellings) on nerve tissue. These tumours are usually not cancerous but occasionally may become malignant. If they are in the brain they may cause epilepsy.

Does neurofibromatosis worsen with age?

Neurofibromas may increase in number with age. Bone deformities. Abnormal bone development and a deficiency in bone mineral density can cause bone deformities such as a curved spine (scoliosis) or a bowed lower leg. Tumor on the optic nerve (optic glioma).

What is the life expectancy of a person with neurofibromatosis?

If there are no complications, the life expectancy of people with NF is almost normal. With the right education, people with NF can live a normal life. Although mental impairment is generally mild, NF1 is a known cause of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.