Minimally Invasive Semiconductor Laser Surgery Combined with 5-ALA Photodynamic Therapy for a Chronic Hyperplastic Candidiasis Patient Who Is Ineffective to Antifungal Therapy

Background: Chronic hyperplastic candidiasis (CHC) is a chronic oral mucosal infection caused by Candida, which has potential for malignant transformation. Diagnosing CHC can be challenging due to its various manifestations. In addition, fungal treatments often prove to be ineffective, highlighting the urgent need for a new safe and efficient treatment approach. Given the potential of CHC to transform into malignancy, it is crucial to emphasize dynamic monitoring and follow-up after treatment.Objective: We attempted to investigate the effect of semiconductor laser pretreatment combined with 5-amino-levulinic acid (5-ALA) photodynamic therapy (PDT) for CHC.Methods: We presented the successful treatment of CHC with mild dysplasia in a 30-year-old man using semiconductor laser and 5-ALA PDT after antifungal therapy proved ineffective. Toluidine blue staining, autofluorescence imaging, and DNA image cytometry were combined to dynamically monitor the progress of the disease.Results: We have obtained positive outcomes with the use of laser combined with PDT treatment. The patients experienced only mild adverse reactions after the treatment, and there was no indication of recurrence or malignant transformation during the subsequent follow-up period, as observed through various auxiliary examinations.Conclusions: This case report suggests that semiconductor laser surgery combined with PDT could be a promising treatment option for patients with CHC who do not respond to antifungal therapy. In addition, the use of combined noninvasive examinations might provide a more accurate assessment of malignant transformation in patients with CHC.