Multiple apocrine hidrocystomas: treatment with carbon dioxide laser vaporization.
BACKGROUND
Apocrine hidrocystoma is a benign cystic tumour with apocrine differentiation. Although most cases are solitary tumours, multiple tumours may occur. Surgical removal is the usual treatment for apocrine hidrocystoma, but it may be troublesome and disfiguring in cases with multiple tumours.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy and cosmetic outcome of carbon dioxide laser vaporization in the treatment of multiple apocrine hidrocystomas.


METHODS
A total of 11 lesions in three adult patients were treated with carbon dioxide laser vaporization using a continuous and defocused mode, with a power density of 5 J/cm(2). The lesions were localized lateral to the outer canthus, on the free edge of the eyelids, and on the ear. Only a single session of treatment was performed for each lesion. Photographic controls were taken before and after treatment.


RESULTS
The lesions cleared after laser treatment without residual changes, and a successful cosmetic result was obtained.


CONCLUSIONS
Carbon dioxide laser is an efficient method of the treatment for multiple apocrine hidrocystomas.
del Pozo
J
J
Department of Dermatology, Hospital Juan Canalejo, La Coruña, Spain. der@canalejo.org
García-Silva
J
J
Peña-Penabad
C
C
Fonseca
E
E
D000328:Adult; D004428:Ear Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D004431:Ear, External; D005142:Eyelid Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D018251:Hidrocystoma / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009378:Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / Q000601:surgery*; D013544:Sweat Gland Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*