Curettage

Curettage: The removal of growths or other material from the wall of a cavity or other surface, as with a curet. A curet, or curette, is a spoon-shaped instrument with a sharp edge. The word "curette" comes from French and means a scraper. The verb "curer" means to scrape or clean.

Curettage may, for example, be used to remove a skin cancer. After a local anesthetic numbs the area, the cancer is scooped out with a curette.

Dilation and curettage (D & C) refers to dilation of the cervix (widening the cervix) and curettement of the endometrium (the lining of the uterus).