KTP laser excision of a soft palate squamous cell carcinoma: a case report

Squamous cell carcinoma of the soft palate is an infrequently seen tumor of the oral cavity. The use of the KTP laser in the treatment of a 52-year-old man with a T2N0M0 soft palate carcinoma is reported. The natural history and treatment of this entity is reviewed. The application of tumor thickness as related to therapy of the neck and prognosis is commented on. Use of the KTP laser for resection of oral cavity lesions is felt to be a technological improvement beneficial to both patients and practitioners.