CO(2) Laser Treatment of Multiple Oral Hamartomas in Cowden’s Syndrome: A Review and Case Study

BACKGROUND: Cowden’s syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by multiple oral hamartomas and an increased risk of internal malignancy. These mucocutaneous lesions can be physically disfiguring and psychologically distressing. As a result, patients frequently seek treatment for their destruction. Removal of oral hamartomas is often a challenge due to their sensitive location and high risk of recurrence. OBJECTIVE: To review the clinical use, effectiveness, and safety of a fractional ablative laser to treat multiple oral hamartomas in a patient with Cowden’s syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A thorough literature review pertaining to treatment of oral hamartomas and a discussion of an illustrative case showcasing successful lesional destruction with a fractional ablative carbon dioxide (CO(2)) laser in a 33-year-old man with Cowden’s syndrome. RESULTS: Multiple oral hamartomas were effectively removed with fractional CO(2) laser vaporization. No infection, scarring, dermatitis, nor lesional recurrence were observed 6 months post-treatment. CONCLUSION: Fractional CO(2) laser vaporization can be used effectively to treat multiple oral hamartomas associated with Cowden’s syndrome.