WHAT CAN LASERS REALLY DO

Lasers were for many years used in all manner of applications without any clear advantage over alternative modalities. However, certain areas have emerged in which lasers have a unique role. Wherever there is a wavelength at which a target absorbs preferentially, lasers can be used with a selective action. Examples of this are in the treatment of port wine stains and stones. Lasers also allow miniaturization in endoscopic applications. In tumour necrosis the deep penetration of certain laser wavelengths result in larger volumes of tissue irradiation. Finally, in tissue diagnosis interstitial laser probes may discriminate tumour from benign tissue and viable from non-viable tissue.