Abstract
Transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) is a surgical treatment method for primary cancers of the mouth, pharynx, and larynx and offers decreased morbidity when compared to traditional open approaches. TLM typically utilizes a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser for resection of tissues. An operating microscope supplies the illumination and magnification. Access is gained via the natural anatomy of the upper aerodigestive tract. TLM differs from open surgery in two significant ways: the tumor block can be transected into manageable units by the laser (in situ), permitting margin mapping. And healing is allowed to occur by secondary intention. While this “piecemeal” removal of the tumor deviates from the “en bloc” principle of conventional oncologic surgery, it adds a diagnostic dimension to TLM.
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Biomedical Optics in Otorhinolaryngology |
Subtitle of host publication | Head and Neck Surgery |
Publisher | Springer New York |
Pages | 33-49 |
Number of pages | 17 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781493917587 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781493917570 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 2016 |
Keywords
- Excision
- Laser resection
- Neoplastic processes
- Oropharyngeal cancer
- Pharyngeal cancer
- Transoral laser microsurgery (TLM)
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Medicine(all)