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Using a 1064-nm Picosecond Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser for Periorbital Hyperpigmentation
Published on: May 23, 2025
Treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma With PDL and Nd:YAG Lasers: A Systematic Review
Natalie V Garcia1, Adam Q He2, Isabella Camacho-Hubbard3
1Department of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
Background:
Laser-based therapies, including pulsed dye laser (PDL) and neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser, have emerged as nonsurgical alternatives for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), particularly in patients unsuitable for surgery.
Objective:
The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize the laser settings and outcomes of PDL and Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of BCC.
Methods:
PubMed, Cochrane, and EMBASE databases were searched, and studies reporting original outcome data on PDL and Nd:YAG laser treatments of BCCs were included.
Results:
Of 670 articles, 28 met inclusion criteria. Nd:YAG laser therapy demonstrates a histologic clearance rate of 95% (157/167 BCCs) and clinical clearance rate of 95% (813/857 BCCs). PDL laser therapy demonstrates a histologic clearance rate of 64% (104/163 BCCs) and clinical clearance rate of 90% (863/958 BCCs). Frequently used laser settings are summarized with descriptive statistics.
Conclusion:
Nd:YAG laser and PDL may be considered as nonsurgical treatment options for low-risk BCC. Further studies are needed to optimize protocols and assess long-term outcomes.
