CO2 laser resurfacing and photocarcinogenesis: an experimental study.
OBJECTIVE
To examine whether carbon dioxide (CO2) laser treatment has a carcinogenic potential or may influence ultraviolet (UV)-induced carcinogenesis.


METHODS
Hairless mice (n = 211) were treated with a Sharplan CO2 laser with FeatherTouch scanner. Simulated solar irradiations were administrated either pre-operatively or pre- and post-operatively. Weekly clinical assessments of skin tumors were performed blinded during the entire observation period of 12 months.


RESULTS
No tumors appeared (a) in mice just treated with CO2 laser, (b) in mice exposed to UV irradiation only before CO2 laser treatment or (c) in untreated control mice. Tumors developed in CO2 laser treated mice that were exposed to UV-irradiation both pre- and post-operatively and in UV-irradiated control mice. The time to first, second, and third tumors ranged from 18 to 20 weeks and no significant differences were demonstrated.


CONCLUSIONS
CO2 laser treatment does not have a carcinogenic potential in itself, nor does CO2 laser treatment influence UV-induced carcinogenesis.
Department of Dermatology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark. LH20@bbh.hosp.dk
Lene
L
Hedelund
Merete
M
Haedersdal
Henrik
H
Egekvist
Michael
M
Heidenheim
Hans Christian
HC
Wulf
Thomas
T
Poulsen
D000818:Animals; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D007834:Lasers / Q000009:adverse effects*; D051379:Mice; D008812:Mice, Hairless; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000209:etiology*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology*
D002245:Carbon Dioxide