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Radiation Oncology/Toxicity/Tattoos
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Iatrogenic Radiation Tattoo Markers
Copenhagen (2006) -- punch excision vs YAG laser
Randomized. 10 patients, 20 tattoos, prior tattoo markers after breast cancer RT. Randomly given Arm 1) one punch biopsy vs Arm 2) YAG laser treatment x3, as a side-by-side comparison to nearby tattoo markers. Blinded observer evaluated efficacy and adverse effects
2010 PMID 20236380 -- "Q-switched YAG laser vs. punch biopsy excision for iatrogenic radiation tattoo markers - a randomized controlled trial." (Bregnhoj A, J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2010 Mar 5. [Epub ahead of print])
Outcome: Comparable excellent clearance (NS), comparable satisfaction (NS). However, 8/10 preferred YAG laser due to more adverse effects with excision biopsy
Toxicity: Excision biopsy worse hypopigmentation (80% vs 0%) and scarring (80% vs 10%)
Conclusion: Both treatment effective, but patients preferred YAG laser because of fewer side effects