INTRALESIONAL ELECTRODESICCATION OF SYRINGOMAS

BACKGROUND. Syringomas are common, benign adnexal tumors. In the perio rbital area, they pose a cosmetic dilemma for both patients and physic ians alike. Many different therapeutic modalities potentially can caus e scarring, and recurrences are common. OBJECTIVE. TO develop a treatm ent method that minimizes scarring and subsequent recurrences. METHOD. Each syringoma is treated with short bursts of high frequency low vol tage electrodesiccation delivered with a fine needle electrode that is inserted into the center of the syringoma, as deeply as the reticular dermis. RESULTS. Twelve patients treated over a 4-year period showed no permanent adverse effects postoperatively and no recurrences. CONCL USION. Intralesional electrodesiccation is a safe, nonscarring and, re liable method that can be used to eradicate periorbital syringomas. (C ) 1997 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc.