What is Laser Therapy?

Laser therapies are medical treatments that use focused light. Laser light is a very special kind of light. Unlike most light sources, it is tuned to very specific wavelengths. This allows it to be focused into powerful beams. Laser light is so intense it can be used to shape diamonds or cut steel.

In medicine, lasers offer surgeons the ability to work very precisely. They can focus on a small area and damage less of the surrounding tissue. Patients who have laser therapy may experience less pain, swelling, and scarring than with traditional surgery. However, laser therapy is expensive. It may also require repeated treatments.

Laser stands for : Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.

What is Laser Therapy Used for?

Laser therapy is used in many procedures. It may be used to:

  • shrink or destroy tumors, polyps, or precancerous growths
  • relieve symptoms of cancer
  • remove kidney stones
  • remove part of the prostate
  • repair a detached retina
  • improve vision (“laser eye surgery”)

Lasers can have a cauterizing (sealing) effect. They 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 spread of tumor cells

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), lasers may be useful in treating the very early stages of cancers such as:

  • cervical cancer
  • penile cancer
  • vaginal cancer
  • vulvar cancer
  • non-small cell lung cancer
  • basal cell skin cancer

When used in cancer treatment, laser therapy is usually used alongside other treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.

Laser therapy is also used cosmetically. It can:

  • remove warts, moles, birthmarks, and sun spots
  • remove hair
  • lessen the appearance of wrinkles, blemishes or scars
  • remove tattoos