Some lung cancers grow into the airways (endobronchial tumors) of the lungs causing blockage. This leads to pneumonia and shortness of breath.

One method to destroy this type of tumor is to use a laser light. This procedure is done in the operating room with the patient under general anesthesia, using a bronchoscope. The laser “burns” away the tumor so that the airway opens up. This allows the patient to be able to breathe better and cough up secretions with infection that was growing behind the blockage.