Laser Surgery of the Oral Cavity and Oropharynx

This chapter describes recent advances in the treatment of both benign and malignant lesions of the oral cavity and oropharynx. The treatment of benign lesions will be separated from the treatment of malignant lesions because the basic principles involved are different. In addition, attention will be given to the potentially best use in this area of the CO₂ laser, the low-power argon laser, and the neodymium: YAG laser. The greatest emphasis will be placed on use of the CO₂ laser in malignant lesions because the greatest amount of research and current publication deals with this particular laser. Because the treatment of benign vascular lesions of this area is now becoming better understood, attention also will be focused on this particular aspect.