Analysis of 1,620 basal cell carcinomas treated at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation from 1981 to 1983 confirms that the majority of basal cell carcinomas occur on the face and that the relative risk for recurrent tumor is high in certain locations, especially the nose. Alternately, tumors found on the neck/scalp, trunk, and arms have a low relative risk of recurrence when compared to all other anatomic locations. More primary and fewer recurrent tumors now presenting to our unit have been referred for Mohs surgery as primary therapy. This results in higher cure rates for treatment of all basal cell carcinoma.

The Q-switched ruby laser was used to treat 101 amateur and 62 professional tattoos in 80 patients over a period of 22 months. Using a 5- to 8-mm spot size and energy fluences of 2-4 joules/cm2, an average of three retreatments resulted in complete pigment removal in four, nearly complete pigment removal in 84, significant pigment removal in 11, and minimal pigment removal in two amateur tattoos. Using identical parameters for professional tattoos, there was complete pigment removal in two, nearly complete pigment removal in five, significant pigment removal in 18, minimal pigment removal in 25, and very little pigment removal in 12. Professional tattoos with red, yellow, and green pigments faded, but required multiple retreatments. While transient hypopigmentation occurred in many patients, skin texture and hair growth returned to normal in all cases and no hypertrophic scarring was seen.

The technique for using the carbon dioxide laser in the vaporization mode to treat multiple lesions of syringoma of the face without adverse scarring, textural changes, or recurrence is described.

Techniques and results of CO2 laser vaporization of epidermal nevi in 15 patients over a 5-year period is presented. This procedure provides an alternative and effective surgical method for the successful removal of such lesions.

Digital myxoid cysts represent a relatively uncommon cutaneous disorder which have often proven refractory to conservative management. We report a series of ten patients with this condition who were effectively treated with carbon dioxide (CO2) laser vaporization. There has been no recurrence of cysts during a follow-up period ranging from 14 to 44 months.