Some recent studies have suggested that laser therapy can accelerate skin cancer growth. If you’ve seen these studies, it’s important to understand these findings do not pertain to the common procedures performed at Boulder Plastic Surgery near Denver. We believe it’s important to shed some light on the myth that which laser causes skin cancer by examining how some procedures can help in treating pre-cancerous lesions, thus reducing the overall risk of certain skin cancers.
It’s Unlikely That Laser Therapy Aggravates Skin Cancer
Evidence gathered from studies conducted on a mouse model with skin cancer suggests that laser therapy increases the growth of melanoma. These results were determined based on extremely high doses of low-level light therapy, which would never be used during a normal procedure, much less over multiple therapies. There is no solid research that indicates laser therapy exacerbates any malignant forms of skin cancers.
Most forms of laser therapy operate at a frequency that barely penetrates the skin itself and are used primarily for cosmetic purposes. For example, there are laser treatments available that can help reduce wrinkles, target pigment abnormalities, and even reverse sun damage. None of these treatments increases the risk of skin cancer growth.
Ways That Laser Therapy Can Fight Skin Cancer
Various forms of laser therapy can be performed to treat pre-cancerous lesions, as well as selectively destroy certain forms of skin cancer. One such therapy is known as Photodynamic Therapy. This is used to target Basal Cell Carcinoma and is an outpatient procedure. A light-sensitizing agent is applied to the afflicted area and is then activated with a strong blue light. The sensitizing agent helps focus this light to actively destroy BCC cells without harming any of the surrounding tissue. There may be some mild discomfort, swelling, and redness after the procedure, but individuals can resume normal activities post-therapy in one to two days.
Laser Therapy Is Available Near Denver at Boulder Plastic Surgery
Whether you’re interested in treating broken blood vessels, eliminating wrinkles, or wanting to know more on which laser causes skin cancer, Boulder Plastic Surgery has a procedure available to help. Schedule a consultation over the phone by contacting us at 303-578-4193.