Q-switched alexandrite laser treatment of oral labial lentigines in Chinese subjects with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is characterized by gastrointestinal hamartomatous polyps and visible mucocutaneous lentigines distributed in the oral and anal mucosa, hands, face, and nails. Although there are many reports regarding successful treatment of intestinal polyps of PJS, there is little information regarding treatment of lentigines. Q-switched lasers are the preferred method of treatment for benign melanocytic lesions. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of the Q-switched alexandrite laser (QSAL) in treating oral labial lentigines of PJS. METHODS AND MATERIALS Fourteen cases of laser treatment of oral labial lentigines in patients diagnosed with PJS were studied between 2005 and 2008. All were treated using a single treatment with a QSAL with a 3-mm handpiece and a fluence of 4.0 to 9.0 J/cm(2). Retrospective analysis of the effect of QSAL was conducted. RESULTS: All 14 cases exhibited successful elimination of treated lentigines after one laser treatment. There were significant acute side effects. After a median 2-year follow-up, there were no recurrences or scars in treated sites. CONCLUSIONS: The QSAL provides effective treatment for removal of labial lentigines associated with PJS.