Laser therapy for carcinoma in situ of the penis.
OBJECTIVE
Carcinoma in situ of the penis, also referred to as Bowen's disease or erythroplasia of Queyrat, may lead to invasive squamous cell carcinoma. We assessed the results of laser therapy for carcinoma in situ of the penis.


METHODS
From 1986 to 2000 we treated 19 patients with carcinoma in situ of the penis with the neodymium:YAG or carbon dioxide laser. Treatment was assessed retrospectively. No patient was lost to followup.


RESULTS
No complications developed and cosmesis was excellent. After 2 to 4 months 3 patients (16%) received repeat treatment because of incomplete disappearance of the lesion. Mean followup was 32 months. True carcinoma in situ recurrent in 5 patients (26%) at an average followup of 25 months (range 6 to 75), while 1 had infiltrating carcinoma. All patients with carcinoma in situ underwent repeat laser treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
In our experience laser therapy is appropriate initial treatment for carcinoma in situ of the penis with excellent cosmetic and functional results. This therapy is also suited for recurrence without the need for more mutilating therapy. However, the high incidence of recurrence indicates the need for careful followup and patient self-examination.
van Bezooijen
B P
BP
Free University Medical Center and The Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Horenblas
S
S
Meinhardt
W
W
Newling
D W
DW
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002278:Carcinoma in Situ / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010412:Penile Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies