Photodynamic Therapy Center - Lafayette, LA
Lafayette 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 Lafayette * Jacque F Noel III MD & Stella Noel MD  James C Odom MD  Ronald J Daigle Jr. MD  Daniel G Dupree MD  Acadiana Dermatology  Dermatology Associates  Dermatology Associates  Iberia Dermatology  Michael F Doucet MD  Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic  The Baton Rouge Clinic AMC Dermatology  The Baton Rouge Clinic AMC Dermatology  The Baton Rouge Clinic AMC Dermatology  The Baton Rouge Clinic AMC Dermatology  Dermatology Clinic  Dermatology Clinic  Dermatology Clinic  Dermatology Clinic  Dermatology Clinic  Dermatology Clinic  Dermatology Clinic  Dermatology Clinic  Calais Dermatology Associates  Calais Dermatology Associates  Laurie H Harrington MD  Louisiana Dermatology Associates LLC  Louisiana Dermatology Associates LLC  Louisiana Dermatology Associates LLC  Drs Hickham Terezakis & Williams  Dermatology & Skin Surgery Clinic  Dermatology & Skin Surgery Clinic  John Edgar Lewis MD  John C Stubblefield MD  Cormier Ford & Guidry MDs  Cormier Ford & Guidry MDs  Cormier Ford & Guidry MDs  Hart Eye Center  Lee Grafton MD  Jones & Mora MDs  Jones & Mora MDs  Dermatology & Allergy Clinic  Dermatology & Allergy Clinic  Dermatology & Allergy Clinic Lafayette, LouisianaUpcoming Local Events2012-06-16
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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 Lafayette
Nearby Lafayette Hospitals *Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center Park Place Surgery Hospital Lafayette General Medical Center Louisiana Extended Care Hospital Lafayette University Medical Center Lafayette Community Specialty Hospital Lafayette Meadowbrook Specialty Hospital Heart Hospital of Lafayette Lafayette Surgical Specialty Hospital Acadia Vermilion Hospital Southwest Medical Center LTAC of Acadiana Southpark Community Hospital Womens & Children's Hospital St Martin Hospital Acadia St Landry Hospital Doctors Hospital of Opelousas American Legion Hospital Dauterive Hospital Crowley Rehabilitation Hospital Iberia Medical Center Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital Opelousas General Health System St Landry Extended Care Hospital Acadian Medical Center Abbeville General 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 (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
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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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Alcoholism
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Sunscreen
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Warts (Common Warts)
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Smoking (How to Quit Smoking)
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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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Keratosis Pilaris
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