Use of curettage and shave excision in office practice. Microscopic confirmation of removal

The technic of curettage and shave excision can be learned by the general dermatologist as a useful office procedure. With its roots in Mohs' surgery, its chief characteristic is that it provides microscopic confirmation of complete removal. The procedure appears to have certain indications and definite limitations. An effort has been made to define these. In general, curettage and shave excision will be most useful as a substitute for curettage and electrodesiccation in locations and for skin cancers for which the curettage and electrodesiccation procedure is being considered but is not quite adequate. Nineteen cases are presented. They fall into two groups, according to the timing of the procedure. Although the technic is not difficult, it is more time consuming than curettage and electrodesiccation, and it requires much more attention to detail. The interpretation of horizontal sections presents certain pitfalls that must be recognized.