ABSTRACT
Weight loss and inanition are common terminal features of tumours, the former being an obvious warning sign but – particularly in the older age groups – acceptance of a modified soft or even liquid diet may, for a time a least, allow the patient to maintain a reasonable calorie intake. Since the early 1980s the primary use of thermal lasers has been in the palliation of upper and lower gastrointestinal malignancies. Forceps biopsy is most useful but, where obstruction proximally prevents direct vision of the malignancy, brush biopsy is also useful. Photodynamic therapy using a laser or non-laser light source is largely a research technique that is available in only a few centres in the United Kingdom. The argon plasma beam not only acts in a straight line along the axis of application, but in seeking conductive bleeding targets, the beam can also ‘bend’ and thus treat lesions tucked behind mucosal folds or intestinal angles.
