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Head and Neck Laser Program
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Program Director:
Abemayor, Elliot M.D., Ph.D
Calcaterra, Thomas M.D., F.A.C.S.
Castro, Dan J. M.D.
Saxton, Romaine E.
Wang, Marilene B. M.D. F.A.C.S.
Contact Phone Number
(310) 825-8954
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Description of Clinical Program
The UCLA Head and Neck Laser Program provides treatment for a wide range of conditions from obstructive and advanced cancers to removal of hair and skin lesions.
Program Experience
The UCLA Division of Head and Neck Surgery initiated laser surgery as a standard treatment modality in 1983, under the direction of the current program director. Extensive experience with all types of lasers, including CO2, argon, YAG, and tuneable lasers provides a high level of expertise as well as a full range of options to meet the widely variable needs of head and neck patients.
Program Approach
Patients are evaluated in a consultation with the program director. For pathological conditions, additional radiographic studies may be ordered before a treatment plan is developed. Such conditions include:
· Chronically infected tonsils
· Sub-glottal and trachea stenosis
· Obstructive cancers of the trachea and bronchial tree
· Stage IV cancers of the head and neck
Intersuperstitial CT-guided laser surgery for the treatment of deep tumors is utilized in some cases. Emerging
techniques involving new dyes and laser wavelengths are offered to appropriate patients.
Laser surgery is also utilized as a therapeutic solution for troublesome skin conditions. In these cases, procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, and for some problems, such as removal of hair and pigmented skin lesions, treatment may extend over several sessions. Patients with skin lesions such as brown birthmarks, port wine stain hemangiomas, telangiectases, and keloid scars are commonly referred to the program.
Additional applications of laser therapy include hair removal and skin resurfacing for the removal of fine lines.
Referring physicians receive written reports of clinical findings and recommendations by program faculty. Patients are returned to the care of their physicians upon conclusion of treatment.
Research Applications
Program faculty conduct extensive research in the field of photodynamic laser therapy for the treatment of cancers.
Faculty Members
Dan J. Castro, M.D.
Director, UCLA Head and
Neck Laser Program
Associate Professor of
Surgery, Division of Head
and Neck Surgery
Romaine E. Saxton, Ph.D.
Director, UCLA Laser
Immunology Laboratory
Adjunct Assistant Professor,
Division of Head and Neck
Surgery
Robert B. Lufkin, M.D.
Professor, Department of
Radiological Sciences
Indications for Treatment
Patients with the following indications are candidates for referral to the UCLA Head and Neck Laser Program:
· Cancer of the head, neck or lung
· Abnormal skin lesions or scars
· Breathing difficulty or nose bleeds associated with allergies
· Recurrent upper respiratory infections, sore throats, or snoring.
Contact for Program Information
Program Coordinator,
UCLA Head and Neck
Laser Program:
(310) 825-8954
After Hours Emergencies:
Head and Neck surgeon on call (310) 825-6301
If you have any referral problems or want Information about other programs, please call the UCLA Physician Helpline, 1-800-UCLA 888.
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