Treatment of basal cell carcinoma with the pulsed carbon dioxide laser: A retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE. Treatment options for basal cell carcinoma include surgical excision, cryotherapy, radiation, photodynamic therapy, Moh's micrographic surgery, and topical treatment with 5-fluorouracil and immunomodulators such as imiquimod. Resurfacing and ablation with a CO2 laser (UltraPulse, Coherent Inc.) may present an attractive and effective treatment option in the management of these cutaneous cancers. We demonstrate the efficacy and safety of the UltraPulse CO2 in the treatment of basal cell carcinomas of the skin. METHODS. We performed a retrospective chart review of 23 patients treated with the UltraPulse CO2 laser. A total of 61 biopsy-proven superficial and nodular basal cell carcinomas without prior treatment were included in the study. The patients were followed postoperatively for a period of 15 to 85 months (mean 41.7 months) and assessed for clinical recurrence. RESULTS. Of the 61 tumors treated, clinical recurrence was observed in two cases (3.2%). Adverse effects included significant hypertrophic scarring in one patient and hypopigmentation in one patient. CONCLUSIONS. Destruction of superficial and nodular basal cell carcinomas may be accomplished successfully and safely with the UltraPulse CO2 laser with a cure rate of 97%.