Can curettage alone be curative for skin cancer?

In skin cancer surgery, the humble curette is a familiar tool, but how effective is curettage on its own as a definitive treatment? In this episode of Life by a Thousand Cuts, A/Prof Tony Dicker takes a closer look at a new study published in Dermatologic Surgery exploring five-year recurrence rates following curettage-only management of keratinocyte carcinomas. In the episode, A/Prof Dicker covers: How the study was designed and what its limitations tell us about real-world data collection How recurrence rates after curettage compare with surgery, cautery, and topical therapies What this means for treatment selection, patient communication, and MBS item use in Australian practice If you have ever wondered whether curettage alone can stand up as a reliable primary treatment option, this episode offers useful insights drawn from recent evidence and practical interpretation.   Watch this episode here. Life by a Thousand Cuts  This podcast series is designed to help you enhance your clinical decision-making, procedural skills, and confidence in skin cancer management. Focus on real-world cases, surgical techniques and tips, journal article reviews, diagnostic and management insights, and guest interviews with GPs and specialists. Next steps in your learning journey 🎓 Certificate Courses in Skin Cancer Explore our university-assured, structured pathway to elevate your knowledge in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer. ➡️ Explore full program