How Are Lasers Used in Cancer Treatment?
Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation, or LASER, is the abbreviation. Laser light is distinct from ordinary light. Light from the sun or a light bulb has different wavelengths and travels in all directions. Contrarily, laser light can be focused into a very small beam and has a single, high-energy wavelength. It is hence both potent and accurate. They provide accurate surgical results, which may entail procedures like tissue removal or eye surgery. They resemble lasers in some ways but have the ability to slice into tissue with a scalpellike edge. Heat to destroy small areas (like tumours) or to make light-sensitive drugs active. Laser therapy is frequently administered using an endoscope, a narrow, illuminated tube to examine tissues inside the body. Flexible endoscopes transfer light to the therapy site via optical fibers, tiny fibers used singly or in bundles. It is introduced through a bodily entrance such as the mouth, nose, anus, or vagina. A tumor is then accurately sliced or
Types of lasers for Cancer treatment
Lasers are named after the liquid, gas, solid, or electrical substance that produces light. Medical conditions are treated using a wide variety of lasers, and new ones are being investigated all the time. The following lasers are currently employed in cancer treatment:
1. Lasers that emit carbon dioxide (CO2)- Carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers can cut or dissolve tissue with only mild bleeding. Regarding the surrounding or deep tissue, it has little impact. Some early-stage tumours and premalignancies are occasionally treated with this laser.
2. Lasers made of argon- The argon laser penetrates tissue only briefly, like the CO2 laser. It can be used to treat some types of eye cancer as well as skin conditions. Periodically, it is employed during colonoscopies (tests to find colon cancer) to get rid of polyps before they get malignant. It can also be employed in a process known as photodynamic therapy, which kills cancer cells by combining it with drugs that are light-sensitive (PDT). It can also be used to halt bleeding by closing blood arteries in patients receiving radiation therapy for some forms of Cancer. This may be necessary for some circumstances because radiation therapy can cause blood vessels
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Neodymium: Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet (YAG) lasers can induce blood to coagulate quickly and can penetrate deeper into tissue than other types of lasers. Through tiny, flexible tubes known as endoscopes, Nd: YAG lasers can reach parts of the body that are challenging to reach, like the oesophagus (swallowing tube) or the big intestine. (colon). This light can also flow through elastic optical fibers (thin, precise lines) placed inside tumors, where the heat from the sunlight can destroy them.
The Advantages of Laser Therapy
Compared to blades, lasers are more precise and accurate (scalpels). The tissue close to a laser cut (incision) is undamaged since there is little contact with skin or other tissue. There is less bleeding, swelling, pain, and scarring because laser heat shuts blood vessels.
• The operating time may be reduced.
• Laser surgery may cause less cutting and tissue damage because the laser heat helps clean (sterilise) the margins of the body tissue that it is cutting (it can be less invasive). For instance, utilising fibre optics and small cuts (incisions), laser light can be supplied to specific areas of the body without the need for a
Wrapping Up
Lasers have some benefits and drawbacks when compared to common surgical instruments. Before choosing whether laser therapy is right for you, it's important to discuss the advantages and disadvantages with your doctor because every person's circumstances are different.
Compared to standard surgical tools, lasers have some advantages (pros) and downsides (cons). If you are looking for a reputed oncologist, you can seek medical help from Dr. Kanury Rao, a famous and renowned awardwinning immunologist. Let us know if you need anything further.
