Pulsed Dye Laser for Treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Background: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignancy worldwide. The incidence of BCC is increasing up to 10% per year worldwide. Surgical excision and Mohs surgery are the gold standard treatment modalities. However, patients may not be candidates for surgery. Pulsed dye laser (PDL) is a novel technique for treating BCC. Methods: Patients with biopsy-proven BCC underwent two treatments with PDL at 6-week intervals at Berkshire Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery Center. Patients returned 6 weeks after the second treatment for evaluation for response to treatment. Follow-up examinations were conducted at 6, 12, and 18 months after treatment with PDL. Results: Twenty patients with 21 biopsy-proven BCCs were treated with PDL at Berkshire Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery Center between 2019 and 2021. Nineteen BCCs had a complete response after two treatments, for a clearance rate of 90%. Two of the 21 lesions did not respond for an incomplete response rate of 10%. Conclusion: PDL is an effective nonsurgical treatment option in the management of BCC.