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Cryosurgery versus curettage for intraepidermal carcinoma: A randomized controlled trial
J Fougelberg1,2, E Backman1,2, E Hasselquist1
1Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Summary
Cryosurgery offers higher clearance rates for intraepidermal carcinoma (IEC) than curettage, though curettage may lead to faster wound healing. This study compared these treatments for IEC effectiveness and healing times.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Surgical Oncology
- Cutaneous Oncology
Background:
- Cryosurgery is a standard destructive treatment for intraepidermal carcinoma (IEC) on the limbs.
- Curettage is a simple, inexpensive method for benign lesions, with limited assessment for IEC.
Purpose of the Study:
- Compare cryosurgery versus curettage for IEC clearance rates at 1-year follow-up.
- Investigate differences in wound healing times between cryosurgery and curettage for IEC treatment.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled non-inferiority trial involving adult patients with IEC (5-20 mm diameter) above the knee.
- Lesions were randomized to cryosurgery or curettage, with clearance assessed at 1 year and wound healing monitored over 4-6 weeks.
Main Results:
- Cryosurgery achieved higher clearance rates (94.6%) compared to curettage (78.9%) at 1 year (p=0.002).
- Curettage demonstrated significantly shorter self-reported wound healing times (3.1 weeks vs. 4.8 weeks) and a higher proportion of healed wounds at 4-6 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Cryosurgery is more effective for achieving high clearance rates in IEC treatment.
- Curettage offers a potential advantage with shorter wound healing times for IEC.
