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Treatment of multiple cutaneous leiomyomas with CO2 laser ablation
L J Christenson1, K Smith, C J Arpey
1Department of Dermatology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.
Background:
Cutaneous leiomyomas are benign tumors that can be exquisitely painful. Symptomatic lesions often necessitate treatment, but many options are inadequate or create substantial morbidity. Without a definitive therapy of first choice, the search continues for alternative methods to alleviate discomfort in affected patients.
Objective:
To describe the use of CO2 laser ablation for the symptomatic treatment of a 73-year-old woman with multiple cutaneous leiomyomas in whom pharmacologic therapy was contraindicated and surgical excision was impractical.
Methods:
CO2 laser ablation of six symptomatic cutaneous leiomyomas was performed under local anesthesia. After initial success, all remaining symptomatic lesions were treated.
Results:
There was complete pain relief in the originally treated lesions 9 months postoperatively, and in all remaining treated lesions 3 months postoperatively.
Conclusion:
CO2 laser ablation may be an effective alternative treatment for symptomatic cutaneous leiomyomas.