Treatment of Syringoma using CO2 Laser

Abstract

Background: Syringomas are non-cancerous skin tumors that originate from the sweat ducts and typically occur in
many locations. They are more commonly found in females than males. Their size ranges from 1 to 5 mm.
Typically, a few lesions are seen on the eyelids and cheeks, although they can also appear on the chest, neck,
lower belly, and genitalia. Optimal treatment for syringoma is complete eradication of the tumor while minimizing
any scarring or pigmentation.
Objective: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a CO2 laser system in treating syringoma in Iraqi patients.
Patients and Methods: A total of twelve individuals diagnosed with syringoma were included in this study,
consisting of three male and nine female participants. The age range of the patients was between 29 and 51
years, with an average age of 39.8 years. The samples were obtained from patients who sought treatment at a
private dermatology clinic and received care at a private dermatology center between August 2010 and February
2011. The patients had treatment using a Micro-pulse C/W CO2 laser with the following settings: Power: 5 watts,
Pulse duration: 200 milliseconds, Off time: 500 milliseconds, Spot size: 3 millimeters, Wavelength: 10600
nanometers, Power density: 71 watts per square centimeter. One to two sessions were conducted, and the
outcomes were assessed both objectively and subjectively over a duration of 1-3 months.
Results: A total of six patients, each with 23 lesions, had a single treatment session, but the remaining patients,
who had a total of 34 lesions, required two treatment sessions. The laser therapy effectively eradicated the
majority of the lesions during the initial session, reducing the number of lesions from 57 to 16. Subsequently,
following the second session, the number further decreased to 3. Following the session, there is a little redness,
superficial sores, scabbing, and minor swelling. However, these symptoms resolve within 2-3 weeks without
leaving any permanent scars or changes in skin color. The level of pain experienced by the patients during and
after the procedure was categorized as light in 77% of cases, moderate in 22% of patients, and no one reported
being completely pain-free or experiencing severe pain. 22% of patients reported moderate happiness, 44%
reported great pleasure, and 33% reported being absolutely happy.
Conclusion: The current study including the use of a C/W CO2 laser demonstrates that it is an efficient, secure, minimally uncomfortable, and readily executed treatment for syringomas. When utilized correctly, few or negligible negative effects occur.