Full-face carbon dioxide laser resurfacing in the management of a patient with the nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome.

BACKGROUND

Multiple surgical procedures are often a source of discomfort, pain, and disfigurement for patients with the nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS).

OBJECTIVE

The patient with NBCCS had approximately 45 identifiable basal cell carcinomas on her face. Multiple Mohs surgeries were performed to remove the largest tumors. A tumor-free plane was not achieved in several lesions despite removal of multiple tissue layers. The treatment of the remaining tumors presented a significant challenge.

METHODS

Full-face CO2 laser resurfacing was performed after curettage and local laser ablation of all visible tumors.

RESULTS

The patient healed well postoperatively. She developed six basal cell carcinomas on her face during the 10-month follow-up period. These were easily treated with Mohs surgery and imiquimod cream.

CONCLUSION

CO2 laser resurfacing is a useful surgical modality for treatment of multiple facial basal cell carcinomas in the patients with NBCCS. It allows treatment of all the facial lesions in a single session and minimizes suffering resulting from repeated surgical procedures. Additionally, the layer of skin damaged by ultraviolet radiation is removed, allowing for easier management after resurfacing.