High-energy neodymium laser radiation for the treatment of face cutaneous melanoma.

This study retrospectively evaluated the curative efficacy of two powerful pulsed Neodymium (Nd) lasers (lambda = 1060 nm, pulse duration 1 and 4.5 msec, maximum pulse energy 700 and 1000 J, respectively) for the treatment of 47 patients with histologically confirmed stage I cutaneous melanoma of the face who were followed-up 5 years and more. The estimated 5-year survival rate was 82.9%. Regional and distant metastases developed in 23.4% of the patients. There were no cases with local recurrences. High-energy pulsed Nd laser radiation is effective in treating flat and / or slightly raised cutaneous stage I facial melanomas, while the therapeutic result is also accompanied by positive cosmetic result.