Photo Dynamic Therapy (PDT) for thin skin cancers and pre-cancerous skin growths
Porphyrins are naturally occurring chemicals that when exposed to light glow or burn. This phenomenon has been exploited to successfully treat many different kinds of cancer.
Skin cancers which are confined to the epidermis (upper skin layers) and pre-cancer growths (those that will eventually become skin cancers) can be treated very successfully with PDT. These types of tumours and growths tend to be thin but large. To remove them surgically is complicated and often requires a disfiguring skin graft. Surgery is not always successful because of the tendency of these lesions to form discrete satellite clusters.
PDT is a recognised treatment for:-
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Bowen’s disease (Squamous Cell Carcinoma in situ)
- Actinic or Solar Keratosis (a pre-cancerous skin growth)
- Diffusely sun-damaged skin (wide areas of skin involved with Actinic Keratoses)
How does PDT work?
The porphyrin chemical is absorbed by abnormal cells only. Natural light is shone onto the skin either at a high dose over a short time or at a low dose over a longer time period. Two treatments are required separated by at least two weeks.
How is the treatment carried out?
You will be asked to attend the clinic a minimum of 3 hours before hand. At this time the porphyrin containing cream will be applied to the skin to be treated and then covered. After 3 hours, the cream is wiped off and natural light is shone onto the skin with either a halogen light source (approx 9 mins) or an IPL device (approx 1 min).
Am I suitable for treatment?
There are no contra-indications except pregnancy and a few rare skin and liver disorders. If a scar free result is important to you, then you should seriously consider PDT.
Is it safe?
The treatment is uncomfortable when the light is being shone onto the skin. The skin will have the appearance of a graze or sunburn after treatment and slowly settle back to a normal flesh colour. Any blotchiness or freckles will also be removed from the treated area.
How many treatments are necessary?
Two – one treatment each week.
Aftercare
Avoid sun exposure on the treated area and keep it dry for 24hrs.
Consultation procedure
A consultation with a consultant dermatologists* is advised to correctly diagnose your problem, estimate the success of PDT for you and discuss as well as offer the full range of alternative medical or surgical treatments available.
* Member of the Royal Collage of Physicians and Member of the British Association of Dermatologists
