Selected cancers can be reached and treated through the body's natural passages using endoscopic and laser techniques, avoiding external incisions.
Endoscopic techniques reach certain cancers through natural openings — for example the mouth or throat — using slender instruments and a camera.
Laser tools can allow precise removal of some early or accessible tumours with minimal disruption to surrounding tissue.
These approaches are appropriate for specific, carefully selected cancers and are chosen only when suitable.
Potential benefits
Avoids external incisions in suitable cases
Precise treatment of accessible or early tumours
Can support faster recovery when appropriate
Important to know
Only appropriate for specific, selected cancers
Not a substitute for major resection when that is needed
Frequently asked
Questions patients ask
Certain head, neck and throat cancers, and some early tumours in accessible locations, may be suitable. The evaluation determines whether it is appropriate.
Where it applies
This approach may be considered for cancers such as these — always after individual evaluation.
