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3. Enhance

Enhance

Shrinking or destroying tumors directly

The CO2 and Nd: YAG lasers are used to shrink or destroy tumors. They can be used with thin, flexible tubes called endoscopes. Endoscopes let doctors see and work inside certain parts of the body that could not otherwise be reached except by major surgery. Using an endoscope also helps position the laser beam to hit its target accurately.

Here are some examples of how lasers treat cancer or pre-cancerous conditions:

  • Colorectal polyps: Lasers can be used to remove small growths in the colon and rectum that might become cancer called polyps. 
  • Pre-cancers and early cancers: Lasers can be used to treat some pre-cancers of the skin and cervix, and early cancers of the skin. 
  • Advanced cancer: Lasers might be used to treat cancers causing a blockage in the airway by destroying a part of the tumor. 
  • Brain tumors: Laser-induced interstitial thermotherapy (LITT) can be used to treat some brain tumors. It uses heat to help shrink tumors by damaging cells or taking away the things they need to live (like oxygen and food).