Michael S Benninger1. 1. Head and Neck Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA. benninm@ccf.org
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to describe the potential use of lasers in the treatment of benign superficial lesions of the larynx and discuss possible roles for vocal nodules. RECENT FINDINGS: Although there are many articles that describe the use of lasers in benign laryngeal lesions, there have not been much recent data with CO2 lasers for such lesions and very little to describe the use in vocal nodules. Most recent data have been related to other lasers such as the pulse-dye or potassium titanyl phosphate lasers. SUMMARY: Lasers can be used safely in the larynx to remove benign superficial laryngeal lesions. The safety and efficiency of microdissection techniques and the lack of evidence to support the use of newer lasers for vocal nodules would suggest selective laser use for removing vocal nodules.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to describe the potential use of lasers in the treatment of benign superficial lesions of the larynx and discuss possible roles for vocal nodules. RECENT FINDINGS: Although there are many articles that describe the use of lasers in benign laryngeal lesions, there have not been much recent data with CO2 lasers for such lesions and very little to describe the use in vocal nodules. Most recent data have been related to other lasers such as the pulse-dye or potassium titanyl phosphate lasers. SUMMARY: Lasers can be used safely in the larynx to remove benign superficial laryngeal lesions. The safety and efficiency of microdissection techniques and the lack of evidence to support the use of newer lasers for vocal nodules would suggest selective laser use for removing vocal nodules.