Treatment of basal cell epithelioma by curettage and electrodesiccation

A total of 233 biopsy-proved basal cell epitheliomas (BCEs) treated by curettage and electrodesiccation (C&D) in our office in 1976 and 1977 were followed a minimum of 5 years. There were seven recurrences, a cure rate of 97.0%. Our results, both for recurrence rates and cosmetic appearance, varied according to the size and location of the cancers. The cosmetic results were generally excellent especially in the smaller cancers. Smaller BCEs'less than 2 cm diameter, excluding the nose and nasolabial area, had our highest cure rate, 99.4% (171/172). Our treatment method is described in detail. Although not a complicated procedure, C&D does require skill, thoroughness and selection of patients to achieve high cure rates and is still an excellent treatment choice for many BCEs.