Background: Since the introduction of laser technology in the 1960s, use of the technique in treating laryngeal diseases has demonstrated several advantages over conventional resections in selected cases.
Methods: The authors review the published data on oncologic laser surgery for the treatment of head and neck carcinomas, and they also describe their own clinical experience with transoral laser surgery for the treatment of carcinomas of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx.
Results: Laser surgery has achieved a key position in minimally invasive treatment concepts in the ears, nose, and throat area, especially for the treatment of malignancies of the upper aerodigestive tract. The CO2 laser is the approach most commonly used.
Conclusions: New and improved applications of laser therapy in the treatment of cancer are being explored. As more surgeons become experienced in the use of lasers and as our knowledge of the capabilities and advantages of this tool expands, lasers may play a larger role in the management of head and neck cancers.