Skin Cancer Treatment | Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic, Templestowe, Melbourne | 7 min read
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Being told you need curettage for skin cancer can feel alarming, especially if you have never heard the term before. But this procedure is one of the most commonly performed and well-established skin cancer treatments, and for the right type of lesion, it is highly effective with a quick recovery.
This guide explains what curettage involves, how it is typically combined with diathermy, what to expect at your appointment, and how to care for your skin afterwards.
Been recommended curettage? Our specialists are here to help.
What Is Curettage in Skin Cancer Treatment?
Curettage is a procedure in which a curette, a small spoon-shaped surgical instrument with a sharp edge, is used to scrape away abnormal or cancerous skin tissue. It is effective because most skin cancers are softer than surrounding healthy tissue, which means the curette can distinguish between the two during scraping.
What Types of Skin Cancer Are Treated With Curettage?
Curettage is suited to specific lesion types. The most common indications are:
- Superficial basal cell carcinoma (BCC) – the most common indication. Curettage works well for thin, surface-level BCCs.
- Actinic keratoses – pre-cancerous lesions caused by sun damage
- Some squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) – only where the lesion is well-defined and superficial
Important: Curettage is not recommended for nodular BCCs, invasive SCCs, morphoeic (infiltrating) BCCs, or any lesion where melanoma is suspected. Your doctor will assess which treatment is most appropriate.
For patients unsure whether their lesion is suitable for curettage, our skin cancer screening service can assess your skin with no referral required.
Curettage and Diathermy: How They Work Together
In practice, curettage is almost always paired with diathermy (also called electrodesiccation) in a combined procedure. After the curette scrapes away the visible tumour, diathermy uses electrical current to destroy any remaining abnormal cells at the base and edges of the wound, and to seal blood vessels to reduce bleeding.
The combined curettage and diathermy cycle is typically repeated two to three times to maximise clearance rates. This approach achieves cure rates comparable to surgical excision for appropriate lesion types.
Related Reading
For a full explanation of the diathermy component of this procedure, read our guide: Diathermy for Skin Cancer and Skin Lesions: What It Is and What to Expect.
The Procedure: Step by Step
Local Anaesthetic
Injected to numb the treatment area completely before any instrument contacts the skin.
Curettage
The doctor uses the curette to scrape away the tumour. You will feel pressure but no pain during this step.
Diathermy Applied
Electrical current destroys remaining abnormal cells and seals blood vessels to reduce bleeding.
Cycle Repeated
The curettage and diathermy cycle is repeated two to three times for thorough clearance of all abnormal cells.
Wound Dressed
No sutures required. The wound heals naturally by secondary intention. Written aftercare instructions are provided before you leave.
Does Curettage Hurt?
Under local anaesthetic, curettage is not painful. Patients often describe feeling pressure or a scraping sensation but no pain during the procedure. After the anaesthetic wears off, there will be some tenderness and a burning sensation (from the diathermy component) that typically resolves within a few days.
0
Pain during the procedure
1-2 hrs
Until local anaesthetic wears off
Few days
Mild post-procedure tenderness
Curettage vs Surgical Excision: How Your Doctor Decides
Both procedures remove skin cancer, but they are suited to different lesion types. Understanding the differences helps clarify why your doctor may recommend one over the other.
| Curettage and Diathermy | Surgical Excision | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Superficial BCCs, actinic keratoses | All BCC types, SCCs, melanoma |
| Depth | Superficial lesions only | Any depth |
| Sutures required | No | Yes |
| Histology check | Not routine | Yes – margins checked by pathologist |
| Recovery | 4 to 6 weeks for wound to heal | 1 to 2 weeks for suture removal |
| Scarring | Flat, circular scar | Linear scar |
What to Expect After Curettage
Normal Healing Signs
- Wound looks like a small, raw circular crater immediately after
- A yellow or brown crust (eschar) forms within a few days – do not pick at it
- Mild swelling, redness and tenderness around the site for the first week
- Wound gradually fills in from the base and edges over 4 to 6 weeks
Signs of Infection to Watch For
- Increasing pain after the first 48 hours (rather than reducing)
- Spreading redness or warmth beyond the wound edges
- Yellow or green discharge with an unpleasant odour
- Fever or chills
If you notice any signs of infection, contact Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic on (03) 8840 1410 promptly. For independent guidance on post-procedure wound management, see Healthdirect Australia’s overview of skin cancer treatment.
How Long Does It Take to Heal?
Most curettage wounds heal fully within 4 to 8 weeks. The wound heals by secondary intention, meaning it fills in from below rather than being sutured closed. During this time the wound may look concerning – this is completely normal.
| Timeframe | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Days 1-3 | Mild tenderness, slight bruising or redness. Normal and expected. |
| Days 4-7 | Wound begins to close. Crusting forms and is a normal healing sign. |
| Weeks 2-3 | Wound continues filling in from below. Crust may still be present. |
| Weeks 4-8 | New skin fully formed. Site may appear pink or slightly raised. Sun protection essential. |
| Months 3-12 | Scar flattens and fades. Most patients find the mark barely noticeable over time. |
For some lesion types, your doctor may discuss cryosurgery as an alternative non-surgical treatment option. Your specialist will guide you toward the best approach for your specific lesion.
Will Curettage Leave a Scar?
Yes, a small circular scar is expected. The scar is typically flat, pale and less prominent than the original lesion. In most cases it becomes much less visible over 6 to 12 months. Scarring is more pronounced on the upper back and shoulders and less noticeable on the face.
Proper sun protection with SPF50+ sunscreen over the healing site significantly improves the long-term appearance of the scar. For an independent reference on skin cancer treatment outcomes in Australia, visit Cancer Council Australia’s skin cancer treatment page.
For related reading on post-procedure wound care and healing timelines, see our guide: Punch Biopsy for Skin Cancer: What to Expect, Does It Hurt and How Long to Heal.
Curettage Treatment at Manningham
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The consulting doctors at Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic provide curettage, diathermy and all major skin cancer treatments. No referral required.
Templestowe Lower VIC 3107 | No referral required