There is an article posted on the web site of the Mayo Clinic that mentions the use of low-energy laser therapy for treatment of pain. Mayo Clinic article: Mouth sores: Cancer-related causes.

Here is what Cancer.org has to say about it: "The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers these laser devices experimental, and allows them to be used in investigational studies based on some evidence that they may provide temporary pain relief."
Cancer.org: Laser therapy

Anyone out there heard of this concept? Anyone out there have any additional information on its effectiveness and/or on where it is offered?

I have a sore on my tongue which has been there for many weeks (chemo ended May 12) but which is not going away. It is serious enough (and looks enough like my original tumor) to have warranted a biopsy which I had a couple of weeks ago. Thank G-d, results were all clear but as I mentioned, it is not going away. I currently manage the pain with amethocaine but am always looking for longer-term, more systemic approaches.

Thanks for any thoughts/additional info.


02/21/10: Dx SCC tongue;
03/08/10: Part glossect;
05/08/10: Further part. glossect left-side PND; 2 tumors in lymph nodes;
06/27/10-08/09/10: RAD+Chemo (Cis);
01/12/11: Dx SCC on skin of neck;
01/26/11: 14 wks Carboplatin, Taxol and Erbitux;
12/6/11: 4 wks RAD;
01/23/12: Remission(!); on Erbitux 2xmonth