Recurrence rates of Non-melanoma Skin Cancers and Actinic Keratoses after Full Face CO2 Laser Resurfacing

Treatment of non-melanoma skin cancers (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma) and actinic keratoses (AKs) often involves localized tissue destruction after disease has already manifested. Full facial CO2 laser resurfacing is a potential alternative which may be used for treatment of AKs and also as a preventive measure for recurrence of non-melanoma skin cancers through treatment of a broad surface area.^1,2

The objective of this study is to determine the recurrence rates of non-melanoma skin cancers and AKs in patients treated with full facial CO2 laser resurfacing.

A retrospective review of 80 patients who have undergone full face CO2 laser resurfacing over a 16 year period (1994 to 2010) was conducted. 80 patients with a history of facial non-melanoma skin cancers and AKs were included in the study. Time and incidence of new non-melanoma skin cancers and new AKs was recorded after facial CO2 laser resurfacing. These results were compared with prior history of non-melanoma skin cancer and AKs.

There was a recurrence rate of 19% at 1 year. An additional 7% recurred by 2 years, an additional 4% by 3 years, and an additional 3% by 5 years (33% cumulative recurrence at 5 years). The recurrences in the first year occurred within the first 3 months, thus these lesions may have already been present at a depth greater than that reached by the CO2 laser.

Facial CO2 laser resurfacing is effective as prophylaxis for the recurrence of non-melanoma skin cancers and development of new AKs. This benefit is both statistically and clinically significant.