Photodynamic Therapy Center - Kentwood, MI
Kentwood 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 Kentwood * David E Hammond MD  Dermatology Associates of West Michigan  Dermatology Associates of West Michigan  Dermatology Associates of West Michigan  Dermatology Associates of West Michigan  Dermatology Associates of West Michigan  Dermatology Associates of West Michigan  John R Vydareny MD  Dermatology Center of Grand Rapids PC  Dermatology Center of Grand Rapids PC  Dermatology Center of Grand Rapids PC  Dermatology Center of Grand Rapids PC  Dermatology Center of Grand Rapids PC  Dermatology Center of Grand Rapids PC  Jack A Dekkinga MD  Suzette J Sanchez DO  MSU/KCMS Internal Medicine  Kalamazoo Dermatology PC  Kalamazoo Dermatology PC  Southwest Michigan Dermatology  Southwest Michigan Dermatology  Herbert M Blair III MD  John M Chadwick MD PC  Benjamin W Nykamp MD  Gale Dermatology Clinic  William F Heckert DO PC  William F Heckert DO PC  Mitchell A Rinek MD  Doctors Approach Dermatology & Laser Center  Advanced Dermatology PLLC  Walter G Korytowsky MD  Dermatology Clinic  Dermatology Clinic  Dermatology Clinic  Dermatology Clinic  Patrick A Wegman MD Kentwood, MichiganUpcoming Local Events2012-06-02
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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 Kentwood
Nearby Kentwood Hospitals *Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services Forest View Hospital Spectrum Health Blodgett Campus Metro Health Hospital Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital Saint Mary's Health Care Spectrum Health Kent Community Campus Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus Zeeland Community Hospital Pennock Hospital Spectrum Health United Hospital Holland Hospital Allegan General Hospital Ionia County Memorial Hospital & Health System Borgess Pipp Hospital North Ottawa Community Hospital 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. |
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- 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
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Lung Cancer
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Psoriasis
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Rosacea
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Skin Cancer
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Barrett's Esophagus
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Sunscreen
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Warts (Common Warts)
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Keloid
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Cancer
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Actinic Keratosis
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Wrinkles
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Scars
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