Treatment and cosmetic outcome of superpulsed CO2 laser for basal cell carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: There are many different treatments for basal cell carcinoma, but the most common is surgical excision. CO2 laser could be an alternative treatment for many situations in which other treatments are not possible or available.

METHODS: This follow-up study was performed on 74 (40 female and 34 male) patients with a total of 113 basal cell carcinoma lesions that were pathologically documented. First, the tumor mass was debulked by curettage and later 2 to 5 mm of marginal skin and the debulked area were subjected to 2 to 4 passes of pulsed CO2 laser.

RESULTS: Out of 113 lesions, the nodular type accounted for 67 (59.3%) lesions, and 40 (35.4%) lesions were seen in the nasal area as the most common clinical subtype and site of involvement. One hundred six lesions (93.7%) of basal cell carcinoma showed a cure after one session. Good to excellent cosmetic outcomes were seen in 97 (85.8%) cases.

CONCLUSION: This method appears to be an appropriate alternative treatment for basal cell carcinoma lesions that are smaller than 2 cm, superficial, and pigmented, and have a nodular clinical subtype without an aggressive pathologic pattern. This method should be used with caution in the nasal area with lesions larger than 2 cm.