London surgeons have used lasers to diagnose brain tumors.

During an operation to remove a brain tumor for the first time in Europe, the researchers used the non-invasive technique, which measures light reflected off tissue to determine whether it is cancerous or healthy, BBC News reports.

The patient, Reuben Hill, 22, is recovering after the operation at Charing Cross Hospital.

Experts hope the technique could make this kind of delicate surgery faster and more accurate.

"My inner scientist is fascinated by what they are going to do,” said Hill, who studying for a PhD in physics at Imperial College London and works with the same laser technology as used in his operation.

"Understanding the physics involved definitely makes it less frightening."