Electrodesiccation

Electrodesiccation is most effective in treating small, thin, well-defined lesions. It can treat conditions such as superficial basal cell carcinomas, actinic keratosis, and squamous cell carcinomas in situ. In some cases, electrodesiccation treats benign skin growths that have not responded well to other treatments. 

The procedure is conducted in a medical office, where the targeted skin area is first numbed with a local anesthetic like lidocaine. The physician uses a sharp curette to remove the abnormal skin growth or tumor. Afterward, a device with a needle-like metal tip is employed to apply an electric current, effectively drying out the residual tissue. No stitches are required; the wound is usually treated with ointment and bandage.

Electrodesiccation is considered a reliable and safe treatment for certain skin cancers and pre-cancers. The most common side effects of the procedure include temporary localized pain, discomfort, or bleeding. In some cases, patients may experience scarring at the excision site. 

Other less common side effects include infection and persistent bleeding. It is important to note that there is a chance that the skin cancer may reoccur after the procedure.