A novel technique for the treatment of multiple trichoepitheliomas using a high-intensity diode laser

Background Nonsurgical approaches have been introduced for the treatment of trichoepitheliomas, including erbium-YAG and CO2 lasers. Diode lasers have been used for the treatment of skin tumors such as hemangiomas and neurofibromas. Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a diode laser for the treatment of trichoepitheliomas. Patients and methods Eleven patients with multiple trichoepitheliomas were treated with a continuous wave diode laser (980 nm) at a power of 5W. Sessions were performed biweekly for a maximum of six sessions. Assessments of the patients’ lesions by count and size regression were performed before treatment and at weeks 4, 8, and 12. The patients were followed up for 12 months. A histopathologic evaluation was carried out before treatment and at 1 month after the end of treatment, of completely cleared lesions. Results Ten patients completed the study. They received a mean of 3 ± 1.7 laser sessions (range 1–6 sessions). A significant reduction in the mean number of lesions (Po0.05) was found on the treated sites of the face. Excellent improvement was observed in six (60%) patients, whereas good improvement was observed in three (30%). One patient showed mild improvement, and hyperpigmentation occurred in one. Histopathologic evaluation of completely cleared lesions showed restoration of normal skin histology. Conclusion Diode laser treatment for trichoepitheliomas is a novel, minimally invasive technique that produced promising results. It involves minimal downtime, with no scarring. Although recurrence of lesions is possible, this was not observed during the follow-up period.