Recurrence Rates of Keratinocyte Carcinoma Treated With Curettage Alone: A Retrospective Cohort and Interview Study

In the treatment of keratinocyte carcinoma, curettage alone has been described as a simpler, less expensive, and quicker method than electrodessication and curettage; however, there are limited studies examining recurrence rates for such lesions.

To investigate the 5-year recurrence rates of keratinocyte carcinoma treated with curettage alone and compare these results to previously reported recurrence rates for electrodessication and curettage.

A retrospective cohort and interview study determined 5-year recurrence rates for 1,853 total lesions treated with curettage alone using chart review data and patient phone calls.

This study yielded a per-protocol 5-year recurrence rate of 2.41% for BCCs, 4.52% for SCCs, and an average of 3.71% across both types of keratinocyte carcinoma. Lesions on the head and neck displayed a significantly greater recurrence rate of 7.18% when treated with curettage alone.

Curettage alone provides comparable efficacy in curing keratinocyte carcinoma when compared with electrodessication and curettage.