Laser Therapy

Laser therapy uses a narrow beam of intense light to kill cancer cells. Although laser therapy is used most often to treat cancers on the surface of the body or the lining of internal organs, it can also be used to relieve certain symptoms of cancer, such as bleeding or a blockage, or to reduce swelling and limit the spread of tumor cells.

This therapy is often given through a thin tube called (endoscope), which can be inserted in openings in the body to treat cancer or precancerous growths. It can be used alone or combined with other treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

At Cooper Cancer Institute, our physicians offer world class cancer care and have extensive experience with laser therapy.

Understanding the treatment

Although there are several types of cancer-specific lasers, the therapy is most often given through a thin, lighted flexible tube (endoscope) with thin fibers that transmit light. It is inserted through an opening in the body, such as the mouth, nose, anus, or vagina, and is precisely aimed at the affected area to either destroy the tumor or significantly reduce its size.

Indications for the treatment

Laser therapy is typically considered when the patient is dealing with a growth on the skin or the outer lining of an internal organ.