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CO 2 laser treatment of oral leukoplakia
Author(s) -
Chu Felix W. K.,
Silverman Sol,
Dedo Herbert H.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1288/00005537-198802000-00001
Subject(s) - leukoplakia , medicine , hyperkeratosis , cure rate , oral leukoplakia , surgery , carcinoma in situ , treatment modality , dermatology , dentistry , carcinoma , radiology , cancer
Treatment of oral leukoplakia has been disappointing with the available treatment modalities, because of inaccurate removal and an approximate 30% to 35% rate of recurrence. The CO 2 laser has provided a promising new approach in the management of these lesions with very low morbidity and improved control. Twenty‐nine patients were treated with the CO 2 laser for 38 extensive (from 1 × 1 cm to 6 × 8 cm) intraoral leukoplakic lesions, 28 for cure and one for palliation. Microscopically the lesions varied from hyperkeratosis to carcinoma in situ. Follow‐up of these patients ranges from 3 to 10 years, with an average of 5 years. An initial recurrence rate of 10.8% (4/37) was observed, and a 3‐year local control rate of 97% after one to two procedures. A malignant transformation rate of 2.6% was encountered. Excellent wound healing and few complications were observed with this treatment approach. Surgical technique and results are reported supporting the advantages of the CO 2 laser over conventional modes of treatment in the management of oral leukoplakia.