Laser therapy is a treatment that utilizes intense, focused beams of light to precisely cut, burn, or destroy tissue. This includes, but is not limited to, cancer tissue. It's also employed to manage conditions like lymphedema after breast cancer surgery.
How Laser Therapy Works
Lasers, an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation, emit light at specific wavelengths. This allows doctors to target specific tissues while minimizing damage to surrounding areas. Different types of lasers exist, each with unique properties suited for different applications.
Applications of Laser Therapy
Laser therapy has a wide range of medical applications, including:
- Cancer Treatment: Lasers can be used to destroy cancerous tumors or precancerous cells. This is particularly useful in treating cancers of the skin, cervix, and larynx.
- Surgery: Lasers can act as a surgical tool, making precise incisions with minimal bleeding and scarring. Examples include LASIK eye surgery and some cosmetic procedures.
- Lymphedema Reduction: Laser therapy can help reduce swelling caused by lymphedema, a condition that can occur after breast cancer surgery when lymph fluid accumulates in the tissues.
- Cosmetic Procedures: Lasers are used for hair removal, skin resurfacing, and wrinkle reduction.
- Pain Management: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is used to reduce pain and inflammation associated with conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia.
Benefits of Laser Therapy
Compared to traditional surgery, laser therapy often offers several advantages:
- Precision: Lasers can target specific tissues with extreme accuracy.
- Minimal Bleeding: Lasers can cauterize blood vessels, reducing bleeding during surgery.
- Reduced Scarring: Laser surgery often results in less scarring than traditional surgery.
- Faster Recovery: Patients often recover more quickly after laser therapy.
Risks of Laser Therapy
As with any medical procedure, laser therapy carries some risks:
- Burns: Excessive heat from the laser can cause burns.
- Scarring: Although often reduced compared to traditional surgery, scarring can still occur.
- Infection: There is a risk of infection at the treatment site.
- Eye Damage: Precautions must be taken to protect the eyes during laser therapy.
