Treating Squamous Cell Carcinoma with ED&C – A Dermatology Case in Katy & Houston, TX
Introduction
At Village Dermatology, we routinely diagnose and treat skin cancers in patients across Katy and Houston, Texas. This case highlights our care of a 76-year-old man with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) on his lower leg. We’ll walk through his biopsy, diagnosis, and treatment using electrodesiccation and curettage (ED&C)—a non-surgical option for low-risk skin cancers.
Case Presentation: From Biopsy to Treatment
Patient: 76-year-old male
Location: Left distal pretibial region (front of the lower leg)
Chief Complaint: Follow-up for lesion diagnosed as a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
The patient initially visited us in April 2025 for a suspicious lesion on his lower leg. A shave biopsy confirmed the presence of well-differentiated SCC, a common but potentially invasive form of skin cancer caused by long-term sun exposure, radiation, or immune suppression.
Why ED&C?
For superficial, well-differentiated SCCs on the trunk or extremities, ED&C (electrodesiccation and curettage) offers a highly effective and minimally invasive treatment. While surgical excision or Mohs surgery remains the gold standard for many skin cancers, ED&C is an appropriate choice for:
Low-risk or superficial SCC
Patients with contraindications to surgery
Those preferring faster recovery and lower costs
Procedure Details
On his return visit, the patient underwent the ED&C procedure at our Katy clinic. Here's how it was performed:
Anesthesia: 2 cc of 1% lidocaine with epinephrine was injected locally.
Technique: The tumor was removed using a curette (a surgical scraping instrument), followed by electrodesiccation to destroy residual cancer cells.
Cycles: Two full cycles were performed to ensure complete removal of visible cancer.
Final lesion size: 1.3 cm.
Post-procedure: A pressure dressing was applied, and detailed wound care instructions were provided.
Counseling & Education
We always ensure patients understand their condition and options. This patient was educated on:
Risk Factors: Sun exposure, radiation, immunosuppression, and HPV.
Recurrence: ED&C has slightly higher recurrence rates compared to surgical excision but is still effective for specific low-risk cases.
Warning Signs: To contact us immediately if new lesions appear, especially those that bleed, ulcerate, or fail to heal.
Why Early Treatment Matters in Katy & Houston
As Houston’s sun exposure and aging population contribute to rising skin cancer rates, early detection and treatment are essential. At Village Dermatology, we combine evidence-based procedures with personalized counseling to ensure optimal outcomes and peace of mind.
Follow-Up Care
The patient is scheduled for a follow-up visit in one month to evaluate healing and confirm no signs of recurrence. Ongoing monitoring will help ensure long-term success and skin health.
