Laser cancer treatment has emerged as an amazing solution for cancer patients. Today, laser is extensively being used in the field of medicine. It was way back in 1961 that lasers were first utilized to treat skin tumors. However, at present, the most common therapeutic use of lasers is to cure cancer. In general, they are used in combination with other treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation.
Benefits Of Using Laser In Medicine
Laser cancer treatments have several advantages over other surgical methods. Some of them have been listed below:
• Lasers are more effective than scalpels; they are more precise.
• They eliminate any chances of contamination as the heat generated by them effectively disinfects the surgery site.
• In this treatment, there is less bleeding as the heat produced by lasers seals the blood vessels. It even helps in controlling the swelling, pain, and scarring.
• The incision is very small. Thus, the operating time is reduced.
• It insures faster healing time.
How Do Lasers Treat Cancer?
There are two common ways in which lasers are used for treating cancer-
1. Shriveling Or Destroying Tumors Directly With Heat
In this cancer laser treatment method, CO2 and Nd:YAG lasers are used for shrinking or eradicating the tumors. There are various tools that are used along with lasers. One of them is the endoscope, which is a narrow tube that doctors use to view specific body areas. There are also flexible endoscopes that are fitted with fiber optics to facilitate doctors to get a better view of unreachable body parts. Low-power microscope is another tool that gives the doctors a magnified view of a specific area.
This laser cancer treating method is very effective in treating numerous types of cancers in the various body parts, such as digestive system, head, neck, airways, lungs, vocal cords, and esophagus, among many others. The CO2 laser is used for treating pre-cancerous tissue and cancers of the cervix, vagina, and vulva in their early stage. The Nd:YAG laser is used for removing blockages in the airway and for removing cancer that has spread to the lungs from other body parts.
2. Photodynamic Therapy - Triggering A Photosensitizing Agent
In photodynamic therapy, a photosensitizing agent is first injected into the bloodstream, which is then absorbed by the body tissues. This agent stays in the region of tumor cells for a longer duration. Now, when laser is directed toward the agent in the tumor cells, then a chemical reaction occurs that destroys the cancer cells. However, the normal cells are not affected. This method is very effective in treating cancers and pre-cancers of the esophagus, and certain types of lung cancer.
Cancer treatment using laser is a path-breaking solution in the field of medicine. It is a very powerful and precise method. In fact, for careful surgical work, this is best suited. A lot of research work is going on in this field. With the enhancement in laser technology, laser cancer treatment will only improve further and safeguard the lives of cancer patients.