CO2 laser therapy of vulval lymphangiectasia and lymphangioma circumscriptum

BACKGROUND. Lymphangiectasia is a disorder of superficial lymphatics resulting from obstruction of previously normal deep lymphatics, while lymphangioma circumscriptum describes a deep dermal and subcutaneous lymphatic malformation with secondary superficial ectatic changes. Previous case reports have suggested the effectiveness of CO2 laser treatment. OBJECTIVE. To assess CO2 laser therapy for vulval involvement by these lymphatic disorders. A retrospective case review at St. John's Institute of Dermatology from 1996 to 1999 identified three women with vulval lymphangiectasia and two with vulval lymphangioma circumscriptum treated with the CO2 laser. RESULTS. Patient tolerance of the procedure was good. Healing was complete within 1 month and occurred without change in skin texture. All patients reported considerable improvement in symptoms (mean follow-up 22 months, median 24 months, range 10-33 months). Focal recurrence and an area of localized persistence were noted in the two patients with lymphangioma circumscriptum. CONCLUSION. CO2 laser therapy of vulval lymphangiectasia and lymphangioma circumscription is effective and well-tolerated; the latter may possibly be more resistant to treatment than the former.