Treatment Procedures
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Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic  •  Templestowe, Melbourne
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7 min read

Your doctor has recommended diathermy treatment and you are not sure what to expect. You are not alone – it is one of the most effective treatments for certain types of skin cancer and skin lesions, yet many patients have never heard the term before their appointment.

This guide explains exactly what diathermy is, when it is used, what happens during the procedure, and how to care for your skin afterwards. For an independent overview of skin cancer treatment options in Australia, see Healthdirect Australia’s guide to skin cancer treatment.

Questions about diathermy? Speak to a specialist at Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic.

What Is Diathermy?

Diathermy (also called electrodesiccation or electrosurgery) uses high-frequency electrical current to destroy abnormal skin cells and seal blood vessels simultaneously. In skin cancer treatment, it is most commonly combined with curettage in a procedure called curettage and diathermy (C&D).

In plain terms: diathermy uses a very precise electrical current to burn away abnormal tissue. It is quick, controlled and performed under local anaesthetic – most patients describe it as a warm or stinging sensation once the anaesthetic wears off.

Diathermy electrosurgery procedure being performed on a skin lesion
Diathermy (electrosurgery) uses high-frequency electrical current to destroy abnormal skin cells. Performed under local anaesthetic.

When Is Diathermy Used in Skin Cancer Treatment?

Superficial BCCs and Actinic Keratoses

Diathermy is a well-established treatment for superficial basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and actinic keratoses (sun-damaged pre-cancerous cells). It is particularly suited to lesions on the trunk and limbs where the tumour has not grown deeply into the skin.

If you are unsure whether your lesion qualifies for diathermy, our skin cancer screening service can assess your skin with no referral required.

Skin Tags and Benign Lesions

Diathermy is also used to remove skin tags, sebaceous cysts, warts and other benign lesions where surgical excision would be disproportionate. The procedure is quick and recovery is straightforward.

Types of Diathermy Used in Skin Treatment

Electrodesiccation and Curettage (C&D)

The most common form used at skin cancer clinics. The doctor first uses a curette to scrape away the visible tumour, then applies diathermy to destroy any remaining abnormal cells and seal the wound. This cycle is usually repeated two to three times for thoroughness.

Surgical Diathermy

Used during surgical excision to cut tissue and control bleeding simultaneously. The electrical current allows precise incisions with minimal blood loss. Patients rarely notice any difference from conventional excision.

The Diathermy Procedure: What Happens at Your Appointment

The entire procedure typically takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on the size and location of the lesion.

1

Local Anaesthetic

Injected around the treatment site. The brief sting from the needle is the most uncomfortable part for most patients.

2

Curettage (if C&D)

The doctor scrapes away the visible lesion using a curette tool – a small, spoon-shaped surgical instrument.

3

Diathermy Applied

The electrosurgical device is passed over the base and edges of the wound to destroy residual abnormal cells and seal blood vessels.

4

Cycle Repeated if Needed

For BCCs, the curettage and diathermy cycle is repeated two to three times to ensure complete clearance of abnormal cells.

5

Wound Dressed and Aftercare Provided

A non-stick dressing is applied and written aftercare instructions are provided before you leave the clinic.

Skin cancer specialist examining a patient's lesion before treatment
A skin cancer specialist will assess the lesion thoroughly before recommending diathermy or curettage and diathermy (C&D).

Does Diathermy Hurt?

Under local anaesthetic, the procedure is not painful. Once the anaesthetic wears off (usually 1 to 2 hours later), you may notice a burning or stinging sensation at the treatment site. This is normal and typically resolves within a few days. Paracetamol is usually sufficient pain relief.

1-2 hrs

Until anaesthetic wears off

Few days

Mild post-procedure discomfort

Paracetamol

Usually sufficient for relief

Aftercare: How to Look After Your Skin After Diathermy

Following these aftercare steps carefully will promote faster healing and reduce the risk of scarring or infection.

What to Do

  • Keep the wound covered with a non-stick dressing for the first 5 to 7 days
  • Clean gently once daily with saline or running water; pat dry carefully
  • Do not pick at any crust or scab that forms – this is part of the healing process
  • Protect the healing skin from direct sun with clothing or SPF50+ sunscreen

What to Avoid

  • Avoid soaking in baths, pools or the ocean until the wound is fully healed
  • Avoid strenuous exercise for the first week

Contact the clinic if you notice any of these signs of infection:

  • Spreading redness beyond the wound edges
  • Increased pain after 48 hours (rather than reducing)
  • Fever or chills
  • Any discharge that looks infected

Call Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic: (03) 8840 1410

Will Diathermy Leave a Scar?

Yes – a small, flat scar is typical. The wound heals by secondary intention (it fills in from below rather than being sutured closed), which means the initial wound may look deeper than expected. Over 3 to 12 months, the scar generally becomes pale, flat and much less visible.

Scar size is proportional to the size of the lesion treated. With good aftercare and SPF50+ sun protection, most scars become much less noticeable over 6 to 12 months. For more on post-procedure wound management, read our blog on the Punch Biopsy experience and recovery.

How Is Diathermy Different From Laser Treatment?

Diathermy and laser are both energy-based skin treatments, but they work differently and are used for different conditions. The table below outlines the key differences.

Diathermy Laser Treatment
Energy Source Electrical current Concentrated light beam
Primary Use Skin cancer, tags, warts, BCCs Pigmentation, vascular lesions, resurfacing
Depth of Treatment Controlled to target tissue depth Varies by laser type and settings
Anaesthetic Required Yes (local) Often topical cream only
Medicare Rebate Yes (clinical indications) Typically not for cosmetic procedures

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Diathermy

Click any question to expand the answer.

What is diathermy used for?
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Diathermy is used to destroy abnormal or cancerous skin cells using high-frequency electrical current. It is most commonly used for superficial BCCs, actinic keratoses, skin tags and benign lesions. It is often performed together with curettage in a single combined procedure known as curettage and diathermy (C&D).
How long does a diathermy wound take to heal?
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Most diathermy wounds heal within 4 to 6 weeks. Smaller lesions may heal faster. The wound heals by secondary intention – it fills in naturally from below – so initial healing looks different to a sutured wound. Full scar maturation takes 3 to 12 months.
Will I have a scar after diathermy?
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A small flat scar is typical. The scar generally becomes pale and less visible over 6 to 12 months with good aftercare. The size of the scar corresponds to the size of the treated lesion.
Is diathermy the same as electrosurgery or electrodesiccation?
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Yes – diathermy, electrosurgery and electrodesiccation all use electrical current to destroy tissue. The specific term used varies between clinicians and countries but the underlying principle is the same.
Does Medicare cover diathermy for skin cancer?
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Yes, where there is a clinical indication (such as confirmed or suspected skin cancer), Medicare rebates apply to diathermy procedures. Contact Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic on (03) 8840 1410 to confirm your specific eligibility.
Can I drive home after diathermy?
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In most cases yes, as diathermy is performed under local (not general) anaesthetic and you remain fully conscious. However, if the procedure is on your foot, hand or another area that might affect driving, discuss this with your doctor before your appointment.
Can diathermy be used for melanoma?
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Diathermy combined with curettage is primarily used for superficial basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and actinic keratoses (pre-cancerous lesions). It is not typically used for melanoma or invasive squamous cell carcinomas, which usually require surgical excision. If you have concerns about a changing mole, book a mole mapping or skin cancer screening today.

 

Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic

Your Doctor Recommended Diathermy? Book Your Appointment

The consulting doctors at Manningham are experienced in diathermy, curettage and all forms of skin cancer treatment. No referral needed. Learn more about skin cancer treatment options from Cancer Council Australia.

Templestowe Lower VIC 3107  |  No referral required