Carbon dioxide laser evaporation of leukoplakia of the lower lip: a retrospective evaluation

The purpose of this study was the retrospective evaluation of the treatment results of CO 2 laser evaporation for 27 cases of leukoplakia of the lip. The data were derived from 23 patients who presented with leukoplakia of the lower lip during the period 1978–96. Four patients developed a second primary leukoplakia of the lip resulting in 27 cases of leukoplakia. All lesions were treated with a CO 2 laser equipped with an operation microscope and micromanipulator. Short-term evaluation showed complete epithelialisation 4 weeks after CO 2 laser evaporation; there was minimal scar formation and no subsequent interference with normal lip function. During long-term evaluation, four recurrences (14.8%) were diagnosed which developed between 5 and 31 months after treatment; these were retreated with CO 2 laser evaporation. There was no development of squamous cell carcinoma in the CO 2 laser-treated area. Selective removal of affected epithelium with minimal damage to surrounding structures is possible using CO 2 laser evaporation, followed by excellent wound healing and good functional result. Treatment can be performed under local anaesthesia on an outpatient basis. The recurrence rate is low compared with the recurrence rate after surgical excision. Therefore, CO 2 laser evaporation is considered a reliable and effective treatment modality for leukoplakia of the lip.