Treatment of Basal Cell Cancer With a Pulsed Copper Vapor Laser: A Case Series

Abstract

Introduction: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most prevalent form of non-melanoma skin cancer commonly arising in elderly patients. Currently, many laser systems are applied for the treatment of BCC. However, up to the present, there have been several reports concerning ocular side effects due to the laser procedure in the borders of the periorbital area. This determines the feasibility of testing new laser surgical modes for the management of periorbital BCC. This stuay aimed to estimate both the efficacy, the early post-radiated side effects and long-term outcomes of the CVL treatment of periorbital BCC. Patients and Methods: Two men and 6 women aged 50 to 77 years were diagnosed with periorbital BCC according to the data of both the clinical evaluation and histological examination of the tissue samples taken from the involved area. Six months after the laser treatment, the histological examination of skin samples from the borderline of the irradiated area was made again. All patients were followed for 24 months after the laser treatment of BCC. The laser treatment was administered during one session of copper vapor laser (CVL) (Yakhroma-Med model). The treatment included CVL radiation with a wavelength of 511 nm and 578 nm, in the ratio of 3:2. The power level was set up to 3 W, and the exposure time was equal from 200 to 600 ms. The pulse duration accounted for 15 ns. The diameter of the light spot on the skin surface amounted to 1 mm. Results: Dual-wavelengths CVL treatment of periorbital BCC provided a complete elimination of malignant cells and dysplastic vessels during one procedure. The duration of skin healing amounted to 2-4 weeks. There were neither ocular injuries or pronounced skin side effects nor relapses within 24 months after the laser procedure. Conclusion: CVL treatment of periorbital BCC provides relevant cosmetic results without ocular injuries and relapses.