Medical procedures called laser therapy make use of concentrated light. Light from a laser—which is short for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation—is tuned to particular wavelengths, unlike light from most other sources. This enables it to be concentrated into strong beams. Because of its power, laser light can be used to cut steel and form diamonds.
Lasers in medicine enable surgeons to operate with extreme precision by concentrating on a small area, causing less damage to the surrounding tissue. In comparison to standard surgery, laser therapy may result in less pain, oedema, and scars. However, laser therapy can be pricey and necessitate multiple sessions.
Uses for laser therapy include:
- Tumors, polyps, or precancerous growths can be reduced or eliminated.
- reduce cancer symptoms
- Get rid of kidney stones
- heal a detached retina and part of the prostate
- enhance vision
- treat alopecia or aging-related hair loss manage pain, particularly spinal nerve discomfort
Lasers can have a cauterizing, or sealing, effect and may be used to seal:
- nerve endings to reduce pain after surgery
- blood vessels to help prevent blood loss
- lymph vessels to reduce swelling and limit the spread of tumor cells
Lasers may be useful in treating the very early stages of some cancers, including:
- cervical cancer
- penile cancer
- vaginal cancer
- vulvar cancer
- non-small cell lung cancer
- basal cell skin cancer
For cancer, laser therapy is usually used alongside other treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.
For cancer, laser therapy is usually used alongside other treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.
Laser therapy is also used cosmetically to:
- remove warts, moles, birthmarks, and sunspots
- remove hair
- lessen the appearance of wrinkles, blemishes, or scars
- remove tattoos
How is laser therapy done?
Laser therapy techniques vary based on the procedure. If a tumor is being treated, an endoscope (a thin, lighted, flexible tube) may be used to direct the laser and view tissues inside the body. The endoscope is inserted through an opening in the body, such as the mouth. Then, the surgeon aims for the laser and shrinks or destroys the tumor. In cosmetic procedures; lasers are usually applied directly to the skin.