Laser application for lung cancer was introduced early in the 1980s to
remove malignant obstructive lesion of the lower trachea and main bronchi. The main
indication was in patients with inoperable central lung cancer. Intraoperative use of
Thermal laser began later. In the early and mid-1980s, Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
became available.
In this chapter, the laser and laser light physics are briefly described prior to their
applications and indications in lung cancer. The Nd;YAG laser, which is the most
commonly employed thermal laser and its effects on lung tissue, is described, followed
by its brief indication in the clinical practice of lung cancer.
The principle and mechanisms of PDT in destroying cancer tissues have also been
discussed in this chapter. PDT indications in a variety of lung cancer are also discussed
to some extent.
Keywords: Effects of Nd:YAG laser on the lung, Indications of lasers in lung
Cancer, PDT and its role in Lung Cancer, What is laser.
