Faculty Collaboration Database

Bowen's disease of the distal digit. Outcome of treatment with carbon dioxide laser vaporization. Dermatol Surg 1996 Aug;22(8):723-8

Date

08/01/1996

Pubmed ID

8780766

DOI

10.1111/j.1524-4725.1996.tb00624.x

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0029743358 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   51 Citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Bowen's disease (squamous cell carcinoma in situ) is an intraepithelial neoplasm that can transform into invasive squamous cell carcinoma. The preferred method of eradication for Bowen's disease is surgical excision. However, when Bowen's disease occurs on the digit, surgical removal can lead to scar contracture and loss of use of the finger.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the utility of carbon dioxide (CO2) laser vaporization in eradicating Bowen's disease of the finger while maintaining the full range of motion and use of the digit.

METHODS: Five patients were treated with CO2 laser vaporization for Bowen's disease of the digit. Patients were followed postoperatively for recurrence, clinical appearance, especially for scar formation, and function of the involved joints over a 6-month to 3-year period.

RESULTS: Four of five patients had no recurrence. Healing resulted in only modest alterations in the cosmetic appearance in comparison with the surrounding untreated skin. Posttreatment biopsy showed slight thinning of the epidermis and mild fibroplagia limited to the papillary dermis. Patients reported only mild post-procedure discomfort and no patients had any loss of function of the digit.

CONCLUSIONS: CO2 laser vaporization may be a safe and effective means by which to eradicate Bowen's disease of the finger without the risk of scar contracture and loss of function of the digit.

Author List

Gordon KB, Garden JM, Robinson JK

Author

Kenneth Brian Gordon MD Chair, Professor in the Dermatology department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Aged
Bowen's Disease
Female
Fingers
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Laser Therapy
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
Skin Neoplasms