The use of modern technology in head and neck cancer

The use of lasers in the management of patients with squamous cell cancer of the head and neck has grown from investigational work to therapeutic practice. Management of early midcordal glottic cancer and superficial T1 oral cavity carcinomas routinely involves the use of the carbon dioxide laser. Investigational work with the Nd:YAG laser and argon pumped dye laser in management of advanced disease and in the diagnosis and treatment of early disease will most likely stimulate long-term multi-institutional studies.