Treatment of basal-cell carcinomas with a carbon-dioxide laser

Treatment of basal-cell carcinomas with a carbon-dioxide laser was studied in 24 lesions for adequacy of treatment, the healing process, and the eventual cosmetic result after twelve months. There was a recurrence rate of 50% at the end of one year; healing occurred with mild degrees of hypopigmentation, erythema, and depression; and the cosmetic result was rated good or better than good in 10 of 11 lesions available for judgment. The high recurrence rate was due, we think, to our cautious use of the laser, which, we think nevertheless, warrants further trial with more aggressive application.