The purpose of this study was the retrospective evaluation of the treatment results of
CO2 laser evaporation for 27 cases of
leukoplakia of the lip. The data were derived from 23 patients who presented with
leukoplakia of the lower lip during the period 1978-96. Four patients developed a second primary
leukoplakia of the lip resulting in 27 cases of
leukoplakia. All lesions were treated with a
CO2 laser equipped with an operation microscope and micromanipulator. Short-term evaluation showed complete epithelialisation 4 weeks after
CO2 laser evaporation; there was minimal
scar formation and no subsequent interference with normal lip function. During long-term evaluation, four recurrences (14.8%) were diagnosed which developed between 5 and 31 months
after treatment, these were retreated with
CO2 laser evaporation. There was no development of
squamous cell carcinoma in the
CO2 laser-treated area. Selective removal of affected epithelium with minimal damage to surrounding structures is possible using
CO2 laser evaporation, followed by excellent wound healing and good functional result. Treatment can be performed under local anaesthesia on an outpatient basis. The recurrence rate is low compared with the recurrence rate after surgical excision. Therefore,
CO2 laser evaporation is considered a reliable and effective treatment modality for
leukoplakia of the lip.