title: Squamous cell carcinoma developing after CO2 laser resurfacing.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Skin resurfacing with the carbon dioxide (CO(2)) laser is currently a popular means of improving rhytides and scars and has been reported useful in the treatment for photodamaged skin, including precancerous and benign skin lesions, as well as superficial benign pigmented lesions.
  
  
  METHODS
  We describe a 68-year-old man who developed rapid squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) on the resurfaced areas 3 weeks following CO(2) laser resurfacing.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Rapid occurrence of SCC should be considered a rare complication, and we recommend carefully considering CO(2) laser resurfacing after excision of an SCC and surveying any cancer recurrences.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We report a rare complication of CO(2) laser resurfacing. This report suggests that additional work in this area is warranted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Policlinico Casilino, University of Tor Vergata in Rome, Italy. dr.fabionicoli@gmail.com
authors.forename: Fabio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Nicoli
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Balzani
authors.forename: Pietro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gentile
authors.forename: Davide
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lazzeri
authors.forename: Camilla
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Di Pasquali
authors.forename: Marzia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nicoli
authors.forename: Ilaria
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Bocchini
authors.forename: Valerio
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Cervelli
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery*; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D054020:Lasers, Gas / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000209:etiology*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*