Optimizing Er:YAG laser parameters for targeted ablation in oral cancer treatment: A thermal injury model and case analysis

Cancer affecting the lips, oral cavity, or oropharynx represents a significant health challenge, with serious implications for patient outcomes. This work addresses the critical issue of minimizing collateral thermal damage during laser ablation procedures, specifically while using Er:YAG lasers, which are designed to limit heat damage. The primary contribution of this study is the development of a model that illustrates the effects of heat dispersion and thermal injury on oral tissue, allowing clinicians to optimize laser therapy by precisely controlling key parameters, including power, pulse duration, and the spot size. By employing this model, practitioners can gain insights into how these parameters influence temperature distribution and treatment efficacy. Furthermore, we present a detailed analysis of a case involving laser ablation for oral cancer, utilizing Er:YAG lasers. Our findings indicate that when the infiltration depth is restricted to a few millimeters, Er:YAG laser ablation can effectively target superficial tumors while minimizing thermal damage to underlying structures. This work utilizes the finite difference method and Penn’s equation to support our conclusions, ultimately contributing to enhanced decision-making in laser therapy for malignancies.