ISSN:
1435-604X
Keywords:
Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia
;
CO2 laser
;
Laser evaporation
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
,
Physics
,
Technology
Notes:
Abstract From 1982 to 1987, 18 consecutive patients with vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia were treated with CO2 laser vaporization. Prior genital tract malignancy or premalignancy was seen in 72% of the patients. The area around the commisura posterior was involved in 94% of the cases, and the disease showed multifocal localization in 56%. Of the patients 56% were disease-free after a single laser treatment; after three treatments 95% were disease-free. The mean follow up was 28 months (range 3–66); the recurrences occurred after 6–51 months, and all of them were macroscopically detectable. Colposcopy was important, whereas cytology had no importance in diagnosing the recurrences. There were no cases of progression to invasive carcinoma. The treatment was well tolerated, there were few complications and no permanent sequelae. CO2 laser vaporization of vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia represents an improvement, as long as the patients are followed up closely and informed that more than one treatment may be necessary.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02032624
