CO2 Laser Treatment of Multiple Oral Hamartomas in Cowden’s Syndrome: A Review and Case Study

Zoe Possick, Tina S Alster Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery, Washington, DC, USACorrespondence: Tina S Alster, Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery, 1430 K St, NW Suite 200, Washington, DC, 20005, USA, Tel +1 202 628-8855, Email talster@skinlaser.comBackground: Cowden’s syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by multiple oral hamartomas and an increased risk of internal malignancy. These mucocutaneous lesions can be physically disfiguring and psychologically distressing. As a result, patients frequently seek treatment for their destruction. Removal of oral hamartomas is often a challenge due to their sensitive location and high risk of recurrence.Objective: To review the clinical use, effectiveness, and safety of a fractional ablative laser to treat multiple oral hamartomas in a patient with Cowden’s syndrome.Materials and Methods: A thorough literature review pertaining to treatment of oral hamartomas and a discussion of an illustrative case showcasing successful lesional destruction with a fractional ablative carbon dioxide (CO2) laser in a 33-year-old man with Cowden’s syndrome.Results: Multiple oral hamartomas were effectively removed with fractional CO2 laser vaporization. No infection, scarring, dermatitis, nor lesional recurrence were observed 6 months post-treatment.Conclusion: Fractional CO2 laser vaporization can be used effectively to treat multiple oral hamartomas associated with Cowden’s syndrome.Keywords: laser surgery, Cowden’s, carbon dioxide, fractional ablative, treatment, hamartomas