Clear cell acanthoma successfully treated with a carbon dioxide laser.
BACKGROUND
The treatment of choice for clear cell acanthoma (CCA) is excision. Resolution after cryotherapy has also been reported but requires three to four courses of treatment.


OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate three CCA lesions in two patients successfully treated with a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser.


METHODS
Under local anesthesia, these lesions were vaporized by using a CO2 laser in the Silktouch mode with a spot size of 5 mm and a fluence of 20 J/cm2. Two to six passes, as needed, were delivered until the tumor was completely removed.


RESULTS
Pain was minimal or nonexistent during and after the operation. No postoperative edema was noted. The wounds healed satisfactorily without scarring. No sign of recurrence was found following operation.


CONCLUSIONS
The CO2 laser has the advantages of requiring only one course, precise tumor removal, a relatively bloodless surgical field, a short operation time, and less or no postoperative pain and edema. Postoperative wound care is convenient and easy with hydrocolloid and alginate dressings. The patient's quality of life is less adversely affected. The CO2 laser may be appropriate for multiple CCAs, giant CCA, CCA overlying or near joints, CCA refractory to cryotherapy, patients on anticoagulants, and those who cannot tolerate pain from cryotherapy, especially children and the elderly.
Chi
Ching-Chi
CC
Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Chiayi, 6 Sec. West, Chia-Pu Road, Putz, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan.
Wang
Shu-Hui
SH
Huang
Huei-Sheng
HS
D000005:Abdomen; D049309:Acanthoma / Q000601:surgery*; D000368:Aged; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D002245:Carbon Dioxide