Introduction: Genital intraepithelial neoplasias (IEN) are precursors of squamous cell carcinoma. The ideal treatment must be efficacious, conservative and well-tolerated. CO2 laser is one of the recommended therapies, but its efficacy and safety have not been extensively studied.
Patients and methods: This was a retrospective single-center study. Sixteen patients (8 women and 8 men) treated with CO2 laser for genital IEN, whether high-grade or differentiated, were included. Surgical lateral margins of 3 to 5mm were taken macroscopically during treatment. The CO2 laser session, assessment of therapeutic response and follow-up were undertaken by a dermatologist at the University Hospital of Caen.
Results: The mean patient age was 68.1 years and mean follow-up was 52.7 months (5-130). Lesions were isolated in 87.5% of patients. The recurrence rates of genital intraepithelial neoplasia after CO2 laser treatment were 58% for women and 40% for men. No impact on quality of life or on sexual activity was reported in over 90% of patients.
Conclusion: Whatever the treatment recommended for intraepithelial neoplasia, recurrence is frequent. CO2 laser is an effective and well-tolerated conservative therapeutic option. It enables rapid clinical remission, but as with all currently available treatments, long-term dermatologic follow-up remains necessary.
Keywords: CO2 laser; Intraepithelial neoplasia; Laser CO2; Néoplasie intraépithéliale; Quality of life; Qualité de vie.
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