Metastasis of a malignant melanoma 2 years after carbon dioxide laser treatment of a pigmented lesion: case report and review of the literature

Acta Derm Venereol. 2006;86(1):44-7. doi: 10.1080/00015550510044154.

Abstract

A 64-year-old woman with a clinically diagnosed 'lentigo simplex' on her right cheek was dermatologically treated several times with a CO2 laser. Three years later she showed a metastasis of a malignant melanoma in her right parotid gland. Considering this case, as well as other published cases reporting malignant melanomas occurring after laser treatment, we again underscore that naevomelanocytic lesions are not a routine indication for laser treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Diagnostic Errors*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Laser Therapy
  • Lentigo / diagnosis*
  • Lentigo / surgery
  • Melanoma / diagnosis
  • Melanoma / secondary*
  • Middle Aged
  • Nevus, Pigmented / diagnosis*
  • Parotid Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis*

Substances

  • Carbon Dioxide