Electrodesiccation and Curettage (ED and C)

Overview

This outpatient procedure is used to remove small lesions or growths on the skin. It is commonly used to treat benign growths, precancerous tissues, and less-severe cancers.

Preparation

In preparation for the procedure, the skin is cleansed and sterilized and a local anesthetic is injected to numb the skin.

Removal

The physician uses an instrument called a curette to scrape off and remove the abnormal tissue. After the growth is removed, the skin is cauterized with an electrode. The cauterization stops the bleeding, and also destroys any abnormal cells that may have surrounded the growth.

End of Procedure

The wound is bandaged, and over the next few weeks it will heal. In many cases a small, light-colored scar will remain.