Nine oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas were removed with a contact Nd-YAG laser. Clinical and morphological studies on wound healing and effects of the Nd-YAG laser were performed. The wounds were not sutured and patients did not complain of any severe symptoms. The wound healing was prolonged to 3-6 weeks. Cells and glands degenerated at a depth of 2-3 mm by the direct effects of the laser. The epithelium exhibited acantholysis 5 mm from the site of laser injury. Scanning electron microscopy showed no coagulation or other coated material in the wound created by a surgical knife, while the wound surface by laser consisted of carbonization, well-coated and non-coated areas. These findings varied with the laser power. The coagulation and thermal effects of the Nd-YAG laser resulted in autolysis of tumor cells at least within 5 mm of the cutting surface. The contact Nd-YAG laser was useful for the removal of the malignant tumor in the oral cavity and oropharynx where it is difficult to maintain a generous safety margin.