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Does Pulsed Dye Laser Hide Basal Cell Carcinoma?

asked 2 years ago by Shannon Decker
Latest answer by Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Question viewed 316 times
Tags: redness, bumps, cancer, skin

I have rosacea and a history of basal cell on my face. I am on doxycycline and use metrogel. I have redness and small red bumps only occasionally. I have avoided laser treatment only because one dermatologist told me to be careful because it could camouflage basal cell.

However, a plastic surgeon and another dermatologist told me otherwise. I would love to have the treatment, but I am afraid after having MOHS twice now. Does Pulsed dye laser hide the signs of basal cell carcinoma?

2 answers to Does Pulsed Dye Laser Hide Basal Cell Carcinoma?

+1

Pulse dye laser and basal cell carcinoma

Your question is very intriguing.  Basal cell cancers may have a vascular component that can be ablated with a laser.  If you are very concerned about the pulse dye laser and basal cell cancer, I would advise you to not move forward with the procedure.  Fortunately, the basal cell cancers have other clinical manifestations that allow an experienced physician to diagnose them. 
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Pulsed Dye Laser

The pulsed dye laser can be very effective for the red skin color associated with acne rosea. It targets the oxyhemoglobin molecule in blood. Most basal cell carcers are skin colored and will not act as a target for the pulsed dye laser. The important thing to remember is that the pulsed dye laser will cause a superficial bruised look to the skin (purpura) for about 7 to 10 days after laser treatment. The redness will then become lighter and less noticable. The laser cannot treat basal... more
John Burns, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon

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