Use of the CO2 laser for malignant disease of the oral cavity.

The CO2 laser has provided the otolaryngologist/head and neck surgeon with a valuable addition in the diagnosis and treatment of malignant disease of the oral cavity. It is also helpful in the treatment of the premalignant clinical leukoplakias of the oral cavity. Carcinoma in situ has been diagnosed and treated successfully with the CO2 laser. The T1 carcinomas of the tongue, floor of mouth, and tonsil can be successfully managed with the CO2 laser. It also offers the patient a relatively painless method of debulking large obstructing tumors. Other advantages of the CO2 laser include hemostasis, precise visualization, and less edema and pain than the conventional techniques.