Abstract
In order to minimize the post-therapeutic functional disorders, we have used CO2 laser in treating carcinomas of the oropharynx since 1982. We have employed three types of laser usage. Carcinomas confined to the mucosa are treated with laser excision alone. Carcinomas with a superficial muscular invasion are treated with mass reduction laser surgery followed by chemoradiotherapy. To carcinomas with a extensive muscular invasion, we first attempt an induction chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin and peplomycin. When the chemotherapy is effective, we apply mass reduction laser surgery followed by chemoradiotherapy. This paper describes the technique and preliminary results.
