General Information
Destruction is a simple and effective treatment for certain types of skin cancers. After the diagnosis of skin cancer has been confirmed by a biopsy and pathology testing, your dermatologist may recommend treatment by destruction. It is a good treatment option for small and superficial skin cancers.
Description of Treatment
At the time of treatment your dermatologist will examine the site of the cancer and mark the area to be treated. Then the area will be numbed with a shot of local anesthetic.
Once the area is numb the dermatologist will scrape the area with a tool called a curette until all of the cancer is removed. After the scraping is completed then the bleeding will be controlled using a chemical solution or electrocautery. Then a bandage is applied.
The treatment takes about 5-10 minutes to complete. It leaves a wound that looks like a scrape. There are no stitches. The wound usually takes about 6-12 weeks to heal. Once completely healed the treatment leaves a scar that is usually a flat, round, white spot.
Benefits of Treatment
Destruction of skin cancer is an effective treatment with estimated cure rates of 90% or higher for appropriately selected skin cancers. It is a relatively simple and efficient option and is less expensive than most other skin cancer treatments.