Laser treatments have recently gained traction in different practices, such as skin smoothing, hair removal, and treating other skin conditions. Although these treatments have proven to be highly useful to many people, some are concerned about the aspiration of getting cancer.
Experts say that though laser treatments have not been clinically shown to bring about the risk of cancer, some safety hazards still exist in the event the laser device is not used by an operator who has attained appropriate training. For example, one woman almost had a laser treatment for a skin lesion that was melanoma and basal cell carcinoma. If the technician had done that, they could have altered some indications of the skin cancer.
Research on mice has suggested that laser light in very high doses can accelerate the growth of specific cancerous tissues, but this can only occur with specific disease subtypes. However, these doses are much higher than what is used in regular treatments. According to the blog “Laser Treatments: A Potential Cancer Risk?” sooner or later, most people with skin cancer will benefit from this treatment, but at the same time, they must first consult with their doctor before proceeding with laser.
Laser Treatments: What Is It?
Laser treatment uses specific beams of light to treat certain skin conditions. The primary laser types employed in laser therapy are:
- Ablative Lasers: CO2 and Erbium lasers fit in this category because they help vaporize the upper skin to treat conditions like wrinkles and scars and smooth the skin after healing.
- Non-Ablative Lasers: These lasers do not vaporize any skin but go beneath it and work on it instead. They also help firm up saggy skin and initiate collagen regeneration, which is crucial for skin health.
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): This is not a laser beam; instead, it’s a broad light employed to eliminate dark treasures and hone hair to enhance skin condition.
Although laser therapy improves skin appearance, it has raised concerns about cancer risk for those with melanin-rich skin. Anyone desiring these treatments must consult a dermatologist to understand the expected outcomes and risks associated with the procedures.
The Cancer Risk Debate
- Evidence Against Carcinogenic Potential: Conclusively, laser or IPL have not been reported to show any causation of skin cancers. It is evident from the analysis that arises from the National Institutes of Health review that there is over 25 years worth of information where cases only show the occurrence of melanoma after the treatment of laser and IPL. Bearing this in mind, this implies that cancer is not caused directly, and indeed, laser therapies have certain risks associated with them.
The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery supports these studies with the same vigor, stating that laser methods do not cause cancer. Moreover, some research supports the idea that the chance of developing specific types of skin cancer can be reduced using these treatments since they prevent the growth of damaged skin cells.
Thus, in conclusion, though it is advisable to be wary before any medical procedure, there is enough evidence to suggest that laser and IPL treatments are safe and may help protect the skin.
- Mechanisms of Action: Lasers utilize a non-ionizing form of radiation that can be classified as an innocuous source of energy cutting. All forms of light can damage human cells; X-rays, for example, fall into the category of ionizing radiation, and their potential to result in cancerous cells is high.
Although lasers are the safest methods to explore the inward realms of human beings, they might still inflict some use. Patients undergoing laser treatments may complain about slight redness or swelling of the skin, which usually subsides gradually. If rage-made lasers are inaccurately focused, then burns or scars might be inflicted.
It enables doctors and technicians to provide their patients with the utmost care while ensuring low risks. Understanding how the types of radiation differentiate from one another allows them to use lasers adequately for patients.
- Concerns About Misuse: Laser procedures are usually safe and aren’t likely to expose someone to cancerous tissues. There are, however, a few important aspects and considerations to keep in mind. A common mistake could be when an untrained person uses a laser while aiming to perform a procedure. For instance, in one example, a laser was used on a patient by a doctor, who was, however, unaware that the patient was suffering from a type of skin cancer that was concealed under a seemingly innocuous spot on the patient’s skin. Such blunders can compromise the presence of cancer and its timely diagnosis, which can lead to some serious issues.
This exemplifies why only trained and qualified professionals with adequate experience and credentials should be able to carry out laser treatment of any type. They correctly understand what should be investigated and what not to do. While lasers can be helpful in the management of various dermatological conditions, the appropriate person must perform them so that adverse effects and complications are minimized, and the best results are obtained.
Long-Term Risks and Precautions
- Skin Damage and Carcinogenesis: Lasers are widely used to improve and enhance skin appearance, but their wider ramifications must be considered. While it has not been proven without a reasonable doubt that laser usage leads to cancer, history has suggested that misuse of lasers has resulted in significant burns. Such burns can lead to neoteric skin ulcers or Marjolin’s ulcers. Such skin conditions depict the paramount reason lasers must be employed with caution and embedded professionalism.
An overwhelming majority of studies indicate that skin cancer rates among burn-recovering patients do not significantly increase. As mentioned, lasers operate through a spectrum of light deemed safe for almost everyone. On the other hand, any individual with a history of modifying moles, such as curious, unusual ones after laser treatments and shoulder, should be carefully monitored. It can be remarked that seeking medical advice should always be the first action.
- Recommendations for Patients: While considering laser treatments, particularly if you have ever had unusual moles or skin cancer, caution is rather advisable. Consider the following guidelines for those considering it:
- Consult a Physician: All skin doctors, i.e., dermatologists, should be consulted before considering any laser treatment to the skin. They can examine and provide a comprehensive, thorough assessment, weighing the pros and cons.
- Choose the Right Person: Ensure that the specific individual who undertakes the treatment possesses the required qualifications and is knowledgeable in skin issues to ensure the client’s safety during the process.
- Check Your Skin First: Before attaching a laser to your skin, examine abnormal growths to prevent complications or cancer.
If these precautions are implemented, there will be much more confidence and less anxiety about providing laser treatment for the skin.
Conclusion
Those living with unusual moles or skin cancer history must exercise caution to avoid the dangers of laser treatment, although the procedure claims to be effective in ameliorating one’s skin. With expertise in inveterate skin specialists, whom millions call dermatologists, one can wisely decide whether or not they wish to get the treatment done.
Professionals with the expertise and qualifications to operate skin routine procedures have access to practice treatments that ensure the skin’s safety while preventing any potential issues. As a rule of thumb, they should evaluate the skin beforehand and identify any sites that require treatment.
While significant advancements are being made within science, calling laser treatment therapy is inappropriate. It is not deemed ideal for everyone, and patients should be aware of the downsides associated with the procedure. Such an understanding will aid them in making informed decisions regarding suitable skin care treatments.
Sources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5653718/
https://www.cancer.org.au/iheard/can-laser-hair-removal-cause-cancer
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/treatment-types/lasers-in-cancer-treatment.html