title: Curettage-electrodesiccation treatment of basal cell carcinomas.
abstract: Cure rates after treatment of basal cell carcinomas with curettage-electrodesiccation were compared among three groups: group A, 597 lesions treated in the Skin and Cancer Unit in 1958 to 1962; group B, 91 lesions treated in the Skin and Cancer Unit in 1970; and group C, 210 lesions treated in private practice in 1962 to 1973. The following were the five-year cumulative recurrence rates: group A, 18.8%; group B, 9.6%; and group C, 5.7%. In all three groups, there were high recurrence rates for tumors treated on the nose, paranasal areas, and forehead. Few complications occurred after curettage-electrodesiccation with the exception of hypertrophic scars. The cosmetic results following curettage-electrodesication improved with time. Curettage-electrodesiccation, when performed by experienced physicians, is a very useful modality for the treatment of basal cell carcinomas, with cure rates of over 90%, satisfactory cosmetic results, and few significant complications.
mesh_terms: D000553:Ambulatory Care; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000601:surgery*; D003475:Curettage / Q000379:methods*; D003890:Desiccation / Q000379:methods*; D004598:Electrosurgery / Q000379:methods*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D009378:Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D014945:Wound Healing