Spontaneous disappearance of refractory viral warts at distant sites following carbon-dioxide laser treatment

Energy-Based Devices for the Treatment of Cutaneous Verrucae: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Warts are one of the most common benign neoplasms caused by human papillomavirus infection and often pose a therapeutic challenge.

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the current evidence on the safety and efficacy of laser and energy-based devices for the treatment of cutaneous verrucae.

METHODS

A comprehensive systematic review of the literature on laser and energy-based devices for the treatment of cutaneous verrucae was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 904 unique studies were identified, of which 109 were included in this review. The most commonly used lasers as a single treatment modality for verrucae included the long-pulsed Nd:Yag (n = 20) and pulsed dye (n = 18) lasers. Other modalities included the CO2 ablative laser (n = 10), photodynamic therapy (n = 11), local hyperthermia (n = 11), microwave therapy (n = 2), and nanopulse stimulation (n = 1). Other studies combined energy-based modalities with additional treatments, such as retinoids, imiquimod, and intralesional bleomycin. Overall, such devices were generally well-tolerated, with only a mild side effect profile.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the use of laser and energy-based devices is a safe and well-tolerated option for cutaneous verrucae that is relatively less invasive than surgical interventions. Future studies using more consistent outcome assessment tools will be valuable to help clinicians develop device-specific protocols and treatment regimens to ensure replicable and effective outcomes.

Laser ablation and cryotherapy of melanoma metastases

Both laser therapy and cryotherapy have been used with good results in the ablation of cutaneous melanoma metastases. There is less literature evidence in support of cryotherapy. Carbon dioxide laser therapy is a simple, low cost, patient-friendly technique, effective for palliation of individual lesions. There is evidence of a more profound regional effect, with unexplained absences of recurrence at treated sites and reported complete remissions, which demands further investigation.

The use of lasers in the treatment of cutaneous lesions

INTRODUCTION

Laser has progressed significantly over the last three decades. Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (lasers) are currently employed by a number of medical and surgical specialties and used to treat a wide range of conditions.

AIM

This article aims to provide an insight into laser science and describe its current usage in the treatment of cutaneous lesions and its potential for future developments.

CONCLUSION

There are many types of lasers, each having unique properties that enable them to fulfil their task and achieve the desired result. Their applications will no doubt continue to expand with the parallel advancement in laser technology.