Interstitial laser hyperthermia, a new method in the management of fibroadenoma of the breast: A pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
This study attempts to evaluate the effect of interstitial laser hyperthermia in breast fibroadenomas as an outpatient procedure.


METHODS
In an uncontrolled prospective study, 27 patients younger than 35 years were subjected to laser phototherapy of their breast fibroadenomas. Under real-time ultrasound monitoring, Nd:YAG laser (1,064 nm wavelength) was used at 2 W for 300 sec (600 J) in a continuous wave mode to produce interstitial hyperthermia. Follow-ups were done at 2, 4, and 8 weeks. Subsequently, excision biopsy of residual lumps was performed.


RESULTS
There was significant decrease in clinical and sonographic sizes (P < 0.001). Follow-up ultrasound showed a progressive change of hyperechoic texture, from a heterogeneous to a nearly homogeneous one. There were minimal scars (2-3 mm) and no keloid or abscess formation.


CONCLUSIONS
Interstitial laser hyperthermia is a safe, precise, and minimally invasive outpatient procedure for in situ destruction of breast fibroadenomas.
Basu
S
S
Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi 110001, India.
Ravi
B
B
Kant
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D018226:Fibroadenoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D053685:Laser Therapy; D010789:Phototherapy / Q000379:methods*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography