Curettage Biopsy

A curettage biopsy is rarely used although it is very useful in certain difficult to reach anatomic locations.  A curette is a metal instrument with a long slender handle having a circular tip that is sharp on one side.  It is ideal for doing a biopsy in a crevice such as the conchal bowl of the ear.  Essentially, it “scoops out” a plug of skin.  I routinely use curettes to even out a biopsy of a raised lesion as it can remove any residual skin so the lesion is flush with the surrounding skin.