Laser Tumor Removal: When to Choose It and How It’s Performed

ImmunityQ&AMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

Laser tumor removal causes less bleeding and pain, but its indications are limited. Here’s a summary of which tumors it’s used for and how it differs from conventional surgical excision.

What Exactly Is Laser Tumor Removal?

A scene showing a laser handpiece being applied to a dog's skin.

Laser tumor removal is a surgical procedure that uses high-energy light (carbon dioxide or diode lasers) to vaporize and excise tumor tissue on the skin or mucosal surfaces. The key advantage is that it is particularly suitable for small, superficial tumors. Because the laser simultaneously cauterizes blood vessels as it cuts, bleeding is relatively minimal, and suturing can be minimized for small lesions. However, conventional surgical excision remains the standard of care for deep-seated tumors or those with high malignancy. Please consult your veterinarian to determine whether this approach is appropriate for your pet’s specific condition.

Which Tumors Is It Primarily Used For?

Laser therapy is most effective for small, benign tumors on the skin's surface. Since the procedure removes tissue layer by layer, similar to cauterizing a bump, it works best when the lesion has clear boundaries and is small in size. Conversely, if the growth has deep roots or is suspected to be malignant, it is difficult to ensure an adequate safety margin, so using laser therapy alone is not recommended. Typical candidates include small oral bumps in cats, as well as warts, sebaceous gland tumors, and certain small superficial skin nodules in dogs.

Laser Removal vs. Conventional Surgical Excision: A Quick Comparison

Item	Laser removal	Conventional excision (scalpel)
Blood loss	Very little	Moderate to heavy
Postoperative swelling	Little	Moderate
Suture needed	Mostly unnecessary	Essential
Handling deep tumors	False	True
Securing margins for malignant tumors	Limited	Possible
Sample for biopsy	Possible thermal damage	Good

The actual choice is made by the veterinarian based on the tumor type, location, and size.

How Is the Procedure Performed?

Most procedures are performed under general or local anesthesia, including sedation. After disinfecting the tumor site, the veterinarian uses a laser beam to vaporize and remove the tissue layer by layer. Because the laser simultaneously cauterizes surrounding blood vessels, sutures are often unnecessary or kept to a minimum. The duration of the procedure varies depending on the number, size, and location of the tumors, as well as the anesthesia method used, so it’s best to consult your veterinarian for an accurate time estimate. The removed tissue is always sent for histopathological examination to definitively determine whether it is benign or malignant, as the precise nature and behavior of the tumor are determined through pathological evaluation of representative tissue samples. If thermal damage is severe, which can make interpretation difficult, the veterinarian may also excise and submit the margins as part of the sample for analysis.

A veterinarian using a laser probe on an anesthetized puppy

Laser Surgery Isn’t Always Safe

Laser surgery is often underestimated due to its reputation for minimal scarring and bleeding. However, burning away a tumor without knowing its nature can leave malignant cells beyond the surgical margins. It is essential to perform a fine-needle aspiration before removal to determine the tumor's general characteristics, and to always obtain a histopathology report afterward to decide if further treatment is necessary. Please avoid requesting simple laser ablation just because the lump is small.

Recovery Process and Home Care Tips

The area treated with laser surgery has had tissue removed by heat, so it heals in a manner similar to a conventional surgical incision. A scab will form within a few days, followed by gradual tissue regeneration. The speed of recovery may vary depending on the tumor’s size and location, as well as the animal’s overall health. Key care points are as follows: - Prevent licking: Keep an Elizabethan collar or neck cone on for the entire recovery period. - Disinfection: Gently wipe the area with sterile saline solution once or twice daily, as directed by your veterinarian. - No bathing: Avoid bathing or swimming until the wound has fully healed. Follow your veterinarian’s specific guidance on the duration of this restriction. - Walking: Resume walks only when advised by your veterinarian, and stick to paved paths rather than grass or dirt surfaces to reduce the risk of infection.

A puppy recovering at home while wearing a neck collar

Cost and Risk of Recurrence

Costs vary widely between clinics and depend on the number and size of tumors, the type of anesthesia used, and whether a biopsy is included. Therefore, the most accurate way to determine the exact cost is to get a direct estimate from the clinic where your pet will be treated. The likelihood of recurrence depends on the nature of the tumor. Benign tumors rarely recur if completely removed, but wart-like growths (such as papillomas) may reappear in the same location. For malignant tumors, laser treatment alone may be insufficient, and additional surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy may be required.

When Laser Removal Is Not Suitable

In the following situations, we recommend considering standard surgical excision or other treatment options first: - When the tumor is large or located close to muscles or bones - If a fine-needle aspiration biopsy indicates a potential for malignancy, such as mast cell tumors or soft tissue sarcomas - For tumors situated deep within deep, highly vascularized mucosal tissues, such as those in the mouth, anus, or genital area - For pets with underlying heart or respiratory conditions that pose a high risk for general anesthesia

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can cats also undergo laser tumor removal?

Yes, it can be removed. However, cats are prone to malignant skin tumors such as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Therefore, rather than simply deciding to laser-remove it because it's small, we should first perform a fine-needle aspiration to determine the nature of the tumor before making a decision.

Will there be almost no scarring after the surgery?

While this procedure typically results in less scarring than a standard excision, it’s important to note that scars may still form. Depending on the location and tissue thickness, you might notice changes in skin pigmentation, such as areas becoming lighter or darker. The time it takes for hair to regrow varies based on the surgical site, the extent of the procedure, and your pet’s overall health, so it’s best to consult your veterinarian for a more accurate estimate.

Is it possible to do this without anesthesia?

For very small, non-moving warts, local anesthesia may suffice. However, most tumors require sedation or general anesthesia to ensure precise targeting and safety.

I’m also curious about the general process for surgically removing skin tumors.

Yes, you can find detailed information on the general process of excision surgery and postoperative care in our [Dog Skin Tumor Removal Surgery Guide](/en/qa/dog-skin-tumor-surgery).

What should I do if the biopsy results come back as malignant?

Further surgery to ensure clear margins, as well as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, may be necessary. Consult with a veterinary oncologist to check for lymph node metastasis and determine the next steps in treatment.

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References

[1] Kurt A. Grimm et al., Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia: The Fifth Edition of Lumb and Jones, 2015

[2] Julius M. Liptak, Valerie A. MacDonald, Veterinary Surgical Oncology, 2nd Ed, 2022

[3] Theresa W. Fossum, Small Animal Surgery, 5th Ed, 2018