Photodynamic Therapy (cont.)
In this Article
What are the advantages with photodynamic therapy for treating skin
precancers?
The greatest advantage of PDT is the ability to selectively treat
an entire area of skin damage and precancers (blanket or field treatment). PDT
generally decreases the likelihood of lighter or darker skin spots
(post-inflammatory hyper- or hypopigmentation) caused by routine freezing with
liquid nitrogen. Additionally, PDT frequently may facilitate smoother skin and
an overall improved appearance, tone, color, and enhanced skin texture.
In several studies, PDT has been preferred by many patients for ease of use
and recovery as compared to alternative treatments including freezing and
chemotherapy creams like fluorouracil (Efudex). The PDT side effects may be
milder with less downtime than with fluorouracil.
For patients with many skin lesions, PDT may be generally more effective than
repeated spot treatment with topical liquid nitrogen. Some patients are unable
to tolerate the prolonged treatment required with fluorouracil or imiquimod (Aldara) because of the irritation, redness, and possible downtime
with these topical creams. PDT has become a very well tolerated, essentially
painless, noninvasive (no needles or surgery required) procedure to help reduce
sun damage and enhance the overall cosmetic outcome (particularly in sensitive
areas of the face and chest).
Am I a good candidate for photodynamic therapy?
The best candidates for PDT
may be those with lighter or fair skin with sun damage.
You may not be a good candidate for photodynamic therapy if you have darker
skin that tends to turn brown or discolor with certain light or laser
treatments. You may also not be a good candidate for PDT if you are very
sensitive to light, burn extremely easily, would be unable to stay out of
sunlight for the required 24-48 hours, or are taking medications which may make
you very sensitive to sunlight or light-based therapies.
Your decision on the best treatment choice may depend on different factors
such as the location and type of skin lesions, your past treatments, your
overall health, and level of comfort. Your physician can help you sort through
the different treatments.
Your photodynamic therapy physician needs to know of any other medical
conditions that may affect your procedure or overall wound healing. You would
want to make sure to tell your physician beforehand if you have any extreme
sensitivity to light-based treatments, take medications which make you very
sensitive to light, have had a problem or bad effect from prior PDT, have
systemic lupus erythematosus, or suffer from a condition called porphyria.
Your PDT physician needs to know if you have had a history of Staph or
other skin infections in the recent past. You will also want to advise your
physician if you have a history of frequent cold sores (Herpes virus infections
on your face). In that case, you may be prescribed an antiviral tablet (cold-sore
prevention pill) to take before and after your procedure. You may be asked to
wash with a special antibiotic soap or wash like Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) the
night or morning before your procedure to help reduce the number of bacteria on
your skin.
Patients may need to also advise their physician of any drug allergies such
as to topical anesthetics or other photosensitizers. Additionally, the surgeon
may need to know of any bleeding or bruising tendencies, hepatitis, HIV/AIDS,
or pregnancy.
Your physician will want to know of any factors that may affect your surgery
or wound healing.
Next: What growths is PDT not good for? »
- imiquimod-topical, Aldara - Consumer information about the medication IMIQUIMOD - TOPICAL (Aldara), includes side effects, drug interactions, recommended dosages, and storage information. Read more about the prescription drug IMIQUIMOD - TOPICAL.
- Lung Cancer - Get the facts on lung cancer treatment, diagnosis, staging, causes (smoking), types (adenocarcinoma, squamous cell), prevention, symptoms, warning signs and survival rates.
- fluorouracil topical, Carac, Efudex, Fluoroplex -
Latest Medical News
Cancer RSS