Multiple apocrine hidrocystomas: treatment with carbon dioxide laser vaporization.

BACKGROUND: Apocrine hidrocystoma is a benign cystic tumour with apocrine differentiation. Although most cases are solitary tumours, multiple tumours may occur. Surgical removal is the usual treatment for apocrine hidrocystoma, but it may be troublesome and disfiguring in cases with multiple tumours.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and cosmetic outcome of carbon dioxide laser vaporization in the treatment of multiple apocrine hidrocystomas.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 11 lesions in three adult patients were treated with carbon dioxide laser vaporization using a continuous and defocused mode, with a power density of 5 J/cm(2). The lesions were localized lateral to the outer canthus, on the free edge of the eyelids, and on the ear. Only a single session of treatment was performed for each lesion. Photographic controls were taken before and after treatment.

RESULTS: The lesions cleared after laser treatment without residual changes, and a successful cosmetic result was obtained.

CONCLUSION: Carbon dioxide laser is an efficient method of the treatment for multiple apocrine hidrocystomas.