Photodynamic Therapy Center - Huntersville, NC
Huntersville Dermatologist Doctors for Photodynamic TherapyType of Physician: Dermatologist What is a Dermatologist? A certification by the Board of Dermatology; practitioners treat pediatric and adult patients with disorders of the skin, mouth, hair and nails as well as a number of sexually transmitted diseases. They also have expertise in the care of normal skin, the prevention of skin diseases and cancers, and in the management of cosmetic disorders of the skin such as hair loss and scars. Specialty: Dermatology Common Name: Skin Doctor Dermatologist Doctors in Huntersville * North Lake Dermatology  North Lake Dermatology  Lakeside Cosmetic Surgery Center  Lakeside Cosmetic Surgery Center  University Dermatology  University Dermatology  Wolfe Dermatology  North Carolina Dermatology Center  Esthetics Center for Dermatology  Dermatology Laser & Vein Specialists of The Carolinas  Dermatology Laser & Vein Specialists of The Carolinas  Mecklenburg Dermatology Associates  Stuart Y Wernikoff MD  Charlotte Dermatology PA  Dermatologic Laser Center  Carolina Skin Surgery Center  Charlotte Dermatology PA  Charlotte Dermatology PA  Dermatologic Laser Center  Curtis W Schupbach MD  Charlotte Dermatology PA  Dermatologic Laser Center  Charlotte Medical Clinic  Charlotte Medical Clinic  Mecklenburg Medical Group Museum  Charles E Reaves MD  Mid-Charlotte Dermatology  Dermatology Group Of The Carolinas  Dermatology Group Of The Carolinas  Dermatology Group Of The Carolinas  Dermatology Group Of The Carolinas  Dermatology Group Of The Carolinas  Dermatology Group Of The Carolinas  Dermatology Group Of The Carolinas  Dermatology Group Of The Carolinas  Dermatology Group Of The Carolinas  Dermatology Group Of The Carolinas  Dermatology Group Of The Carolinas  Troutman Family Medicine  Arboretum Dermatology  Presbyterian Dermatology South  Dermatology Associates  Dermatology Associates  Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology  Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology  Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology  Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology  Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology  Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology  Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology  Gary D Waldman MD  Carolina Dermatology LLC  Mecklenburg Dermatology Associates  Robert H Kahn MD  Dematology Practice of the Carolinas PA  Dematology Practice of the Carolinas PA  Dermatology Specialists of Charlotte  Dermatology Specialists of Charlotte  Dermatology Specialists of Charlotte  Darst Dermatology  Mecklenburg Medical Group Ballantyne  Todd Helfman M.D., P.A.  Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology  Frank L Foreman MD  Salisbury Dermatology Clinic PA  Salisbury Dermatology Clinic PA  Salisbury Dermatology Clinic PA  Hickory Dermatology  Hickory Dermatology  Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology  Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology  Viewmont Dermatology PA  Viewmont Dermatology PA  Dermatology Center of Hickory  Reed Dermatology  Reed Dermatology  Stanly Memorial Hospital  Central Carolina Dermatology  Central Carolina Dermatology  Central Carolina Dermatology  Central Carolina Dermatology  Cleveland Dermatology PA  Davie Dermatology PA  Davie Dermatology PA  Davie Dermatology PA  Triad Dermatology  Winston Salem Dermatology & Surgery Center  Westgate Dermatology & Laser Center  Winston Salem Dermatology & Surgery Center  Premier Medical Associates  Premier Medical Associates  Winston-Salem Health Care Dermatology  Vade G Rhoades MD  Anne L White MD  Western Piedmont Dermatology  WFUBMC Dermatology  WFUBMC Dermatology  WFUBMC Dermatology  WFUBMC Dermatology  WFUBMC Dermatology Huntersville, North CarolinaUpcoming Local Events2012-06-04
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Photodynamic TherapyRead the Photodynamic Therapy article » What is photodynamic therapy?Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a medical treatment that uses a photosensitizing drug (a drug that becomes activated by light exposure) and a light source to activate the applied drug. The result is an activated oxygen molecule that can destroy nearby cells. Precancerous cells and certain types of cancer cells can be treated this way. The procedure is easily performed in a physician's office or outpatient setting. PDT essentially has three steps. First, a light-sensitizing liquid, cream, or intravenous drug (photosensitizer) is applied or administered. Second, there is an incubation period of minutes to days. Finally, the target tissue is then exposed to a specific wavelength of light that then activates the photosensitizing medication. Steps:
Although first used in the early 1900s, PDT in the modern sense is a fairly new, evolving science. Current PDT involves a variety of incubation times for the light-sensitizing drug and a variety of light sources depending on the target tissue. The basic premise of PDT is selective tissue destruction. Although the photosensitizer may be absorbed all over by many cells, atypical or cancerous cells take up more of the drug and retain the drug for a longer duration than normal tissues. At present, the primary limitation of available PDT techniques is the depth of penetration of the light and ability to target cells within at most 1/3 of an inch (approximately 1 cm) of the light source. Therefore, tumors or atypical growths must be close to the surface of the skin or treatment surface for PDT to work. PDT is currently used in a number of medical fields including oncology (cancer), dermatology (skin), and cosmetic surgery. In oncology, it is FDA approved for non-small cell lung cancer, esoph... Recommended Reading Related to Photodynamic TherapyWhat is an actinic keratosis, and what does it look like?An actinic keratosis (AK), also known as a solar keratosis, is a small, rough spot occurring on skin that has been chronically exposed to the sun. Actinic keratoses generally measure in size between 2-6 millimeters in diameter (between the size of a pencil point and that of an eraser). They are usually reddish in color, with a rough texture and often have a white or yellowish scale on top. Actinic keratosis often occurs against a background of sun damage, including sallowness, wrinkles, and superficial blood vessels. In addition to feeling rough, actinic keratoses may feel sore or painful when fingers or clothing rub against them. Specialized forms of actinic keratoses include cutaneous horns, in which the skin protrudes in a thick, hornlike manner, and actinic cheilitis, which refers to scaling and roughness of the lower lip and blurring of the border of the lip and adjacent ski... Other Related Photodynamic Therapy ArticlesEmergency Contact for Huntersville
Nearby Huntersville Hospitals *Presbyterian Hospital Huntersville Carolinas Medical Center University Lake Norman Regional Medical Center NorthEast Medical Center Presbyterian Hospital Presbyterian Orthopaedic Hospital Carolinas Medical Center Mercy Carolinas Medical Center Carolinas Rehabilitation Behavioral Health Center CMC Randolph Gaston Memorial Hospital Presbyterian Hospital Matthews Carolinas Medical Center Pineville Carolinas Medical Center Lincoln Iredell Memorial Hospital WG Bill Hefner VA Medical Center Davis Regional Medical Center Rowan Regional Medical Center Catawba Valley Medical Center HEALTHSOUTH Rehabilitation Hospital of Rock Hill Kings Mountain Hospital Piedmont Healthcare System Carolinas Medical Center Union Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
Suggested Reading on Photodynamic Therapy by Our Doctors
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Related Diseases & Conditions
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Acne (Pimples)
- Acne is a localized skin inflammation as a result of overactivity of oil glands at the base of hair follicles. This inflammation, depending on its location, can take the form of a superficial pustule (contains pus), a pimple, a deeper cyst, congested pores, whiteheads, or blackheads. Treatments vary depending on the severity of the acne.
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Esophageal Cancer
- Esophageal cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the esophagus. Risk factors of cancer of the esophagus include smoking, heavy alcohol use, Barrett's esophagus, being male and being over age 60. Severe weight loss, vomiting, hoarseness, coughing up blood, painful swallowing, and pain in the throat or back are symptoms. Treatment depends upon the size, location and staging of the cancer and the health of the patient.
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Lung Cancer
- Lung cancer kills more men and women than any other form of cancer. Eight out of 10 lung cancers are due to tobacco smoke. Lung cancers are classified as either small cell or non-small cell cancers.
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Psoriasis
- Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition that may cause large plaques of red, raised skin, flakes of dry skin, and skin scales. There are several types of psoriasis, including psoriasis vulgaris, guttate psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, and pustular psoriasis. Symptoms vary depending on the type of psoriasis the patient has. Treatment of psoriasis may include creams, lotions, oral medications, injections and infusions of biologics, and light therapy. There is no cure for psoriasis.
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Rosacea
- Rosacea is a skin disease that causes redness of the forehead, chin, and lower half of the nose. In addition to inflammation of the facial skin, symptoms include dilation of the blood vessels and pimples (acne rosacea) in the middle third of the face. Oral and topical antibiotics are treatments for rosacea. If left untreated, rhinophyma (a disfiguring nose condition) may result.
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Skin Cancer
- Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in humans. There are three main types of skin cancer; basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (the nonmelanoma skin cancers), and melanoma.
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Barrett's Esophagus
- Barrett's esophagus occurs as a complication of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), primarily in white males. GERD refers to the reflux of acidic fluid from the stomach into the esophagus (the swallowing tube), and is classically associated with heartburn.
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Alcoholism
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Macular Degeneration
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that gradually destroys the central vision. In people over 60, AMD is a leading cause of vision loss. Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels behind the retina start to grow under the macula, leaking blood and fluid and causing rapid vision loss. In dry AMD, light-sensitive cells slowly break down in the macula, resulting in gradual vision loss. Pain is not associated with either form of AMD.
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Sunscreen
- Sunscreens are crucial for sun protection. Sun damage to the skin from exposure to ultraviolet rays is a risk factor for skin cancer and melanoma. To avoid sunburn, people should limit sun exposure during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., wear protective clothing, and use a sunscreen. People with sensitive skin should use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more.
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Warts (Common Warts)
- Common warts are skin growths causes by the human papillomavirus. There are many types of warts, including plantar warts, common hand warts, warts under the nails, mosaic wars, and flat warts. Over-the-counter treatments typically involve the use of salicylic acid products.
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Smoking (How to Quit Smoking)
- Smoking is an addiction. More than 430,000 deaths occur each year in the U.S. from smoking related illnesses. Secondhand smoke or "passive smoke" also harm family members, coworkers, and others around smokers. There are a number of techniques available to assist people who want to quit smoking.
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Keloid
- A keloid is a scar that doesn't know when to stop. When the cells keep on reproducing, the result is an overgrown (hypertrophic) scar or a keloid. A keloid looks shiny and is often dome-shaped, ranging in color from slightly pink to red. It feels hard and thick and is always raised above the surrounding skin.
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Cancer
- Cancer is a disease caused by an abnormal growth of cells, also called malignancy. It is a group of 100 different diseases, and is not contagious. Cancer can be treated through chemotherapy, a treatment of drugs that destroy cancer cells.
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Actinic Keratosis
- Actinic keratoses are rough, scaly patches of skin that are considered precancerous and are due to sun exposure. Prevention is to cut sun exposure and wear sunscreen.
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Wrinkles
- Wrinkles, whether they be fine line or deep furrows, typically appear on areas of the body that receive a high amount of exposure to the sun. Smoking, light skin type, hairstyle, the way you dress, your occupational and recreational habits, and heredity are all factors that promote wrinkling. Medical treatments for wrinkles include antioxidants, moisturizers, alpha-hydroxy acids, and vitamin A acid. Cosmetic procedures that treat wrinkles include dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, glycolic acid peels, laser resurfacing, Botox, and fillers.
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Scars
- Scar formation is a natural part of the healing process after injury. The depth and size of the wound incision and the location of the injury impact the scar's characteristics, but your age, heredity and even sex or ethnicity will affect how your skin reacts.
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Keratosis Pilaris
- Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a common skin disorder in which small white or red bumps appear around hair follicles on the upper arms, thighs, buttocks, and cheeks. The cause of KP is unknown. There is no cure for keratosis pilaris, and the condition may resolve on its own. Gentle exfoliation, professional manual extraction, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion, along with topical products, are the best treatments for this condition.
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Acne (Pimples)
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