Laser therapy for carcinoma in situ of the penis

Purpose: Carcinoma in situ of the penis, also referred to as Bowen's diseas e or erythroplasia of Queyrat, may lead to invasive squamous cell carcinoma . We assessed the results of laser therapy for carcinoma in situ of the pen is. Materials and Methods: From 1986 to 2000 we treated 19 patients with carcin oma in situ of the penis with the neodymium:YAG or carbon dioxide laser. Tr eatment was assessed retrospectively. No patient was lost to followup. Results: No complications developed and cosmesis was excellent. After 2 to 4 months 3 patients (16%) received repeat treatment because of incomplete d isappearance of the lesion. Mean followup was 32 months. True carcinoma in situ recurrent in 5 patients (26%) at an average followup of 25 months (ran ge 6 to 75), while 1 had infiltrating carcinoma. All patients with carcinom a in situ underwent repeat laser treatment. Conclusions: In our experience laser therapy is appropriate initial treatme nt for carcinoma in situ of the penis with excellent cosmetic and functiona l results. This therapy is also suited for recurrence without the need for more mutilating therapy. However, the high incidence of recurrence indicate s the need for careful followup and patient self-examination.