Cryotherapy in the treatment of pyogenic granuloma.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Pyogenic granuloma is a benign, acquired, proliferative vascular lesion of the skin and mucous membranes. Many different treatments have been used for pyogenic granuloma with variable success rates.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the efficacy of cryotherapy in the treatment of pyogenic granuloma.

METHODS:

In a prospective observational study, 135 patients with pyogenic granuloma were treated with cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen. The patients were followed up every 3 weeks until 3 months after disappearance of the lesion.

RESULTS:

Complete resolution of the pyogenic granuloma was achieved in all patients after a mean of 1.58 treatments (range, 1-4 treatments). At the end of follow-up period, there was a flat imperceptible scar, smaller than the treated lesion, in 16 patients (11.8%). A hypertrophic scar, 3 mm in diameter, was observed in one patient. Hypopigmentation was observed in seven patients (5.1%). No other complication or side-effect was recorded in the study.

CONCLUSIONS:

We believe that pyogenic granuloma can be treated simply and effectively with cryotherapy.

• Authors: M Mirshams, M Daneshpazhooh, A Mirshekari, A Taheri, P Mansoori, S Hekmat
• Journal: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV (J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol) Vol. 20 Issue 7 Pg. 788-90 (Aug 2006) ISSN: 0926-9959 [Print] England
• PMID: 16898898 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Cryotherapy (adverse effects)
• Female
• Granuloma, Pyogenic (therapy)
• Humans
• Infant
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Skin Diseases, Vascular (therapy)