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How to Explore Laser Therapy to Treat Cancer

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By eHow Contributing Writer
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Patients with early-stage skin cancer or superficial organ tissue cancer may want to explore the possibility of using laser light therapy to treat their diseases. Clinical studies have shown that laser light therapy, which utilizes high-intensity light to target cancerous cells, may eliminate early forms of cancer completely or make them more vulnerable to traditional therapies like radiation. Before you explore the option of laser light therapy, speak to your doctor to see whether this type of procedure is recommended for your cancer.

From Quick Guide: Skin Cancer
Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Understand that laser light therapy may be more successful than surgery at eliminating tumors as it is more precise.

  2. Step 2

    Know that laser light therapy is believed to come with a lower risk of tissue damage than other therapies used to treat cancer.

  3. Step 3

    Expect to have laser light therapy performed on an out-patient basis. The procedure is usually short, lasting less than 2 hours, and most patients are expected to return home in between treatments.

  4. Step 4

    Talk to your doctor to map out a plan for follow-up care. Your treatment may also involve several rounds of chemotherapy or radiation, in addition to laser light therapy.

  5. Step 5

    Realize that laser light therapy may come with side effects, such as sensitivity to light, that may require you to make lifestyle changes. Your doctor will be able to tell you whether the therapy you choose involves photosensitive drugs and what your approximate recovery time will be.

  6. Step 6

    Understand the purpose of laser light therapy. While occasionally laser light therapy is used to cure very early stages of cancer, it is most often used as a means of strengthening the effect of other cancer treatments.

Tips & Warnings
  • As a cancer patient, it is your right to have everything concerning your treatment explained to you in simple, straightforward terms. You also have the right to request additional assistance if you're having trouble understanding anything regarding your treatment.
  • Feel free to ask your doctor to explain laser light therapy to you. Sometimes it is easier to digest information when you have the chance to ask a knowledgeable person questions as they occur to you. You may also wish to prepare a list of questions in advance of your doctor visit.
  • You may experience bouts of depression and anxiety when facing a cancer diagnosis. Discuss your feelings with your doctor, who may be able to prescribe medications to alleviate your symptoms or refer you to a local cancer support group where you can find solace from others who are dealing with the same issues as you.
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