The Laser

• A laser is a ray of high-intensive light. Because this ultra-thin beam of light can be aimed precisely, it can be used to perform similarly precise procedures. The very letters in the word "laser" stand for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Thus laser therapy or surgery is one form of radiation therapy.
  
  

The Procedure

• The laser is concentrated on the cancerous growth---or, in the case of a malignant cancer, on a certain part of the growth. The radiation can destroy cancer cells, thereby ridding the patient of the growth, or at least significantly reducing its size. The laser is generally administered to the patient via a flexible endoscope---a narrow tube that is connected to optical fibers inserted into the body and aimed directly at the affected area. Several other cancer-specific lasers exist, including argon lasers (which emit a laser light over the entire body) and laser-induced interstitial thermotherapy (which uses lasers to apply heat to affected areas of the body).
  
  

Post Procedure

• After undergoing laser therapy, a cancer patient may experience damaged skin or tissue. Argon lasers tend to increase the sensitivity of the patient's eyes and even skin after the procedure, and patients are generally recommended to avoid much direct sunlight---or any bright light---for up to six weeks afterwards. Additionally, laser surgery is often only part of a patient's cancer treatment, which may also include chemotherapy, other radiation therapy, herbal treatments and diet-centered treatments.