Photodynamic Therapy (cont.)
In this Article
What growths is PDT not good for?
PDT is not as effective for thick skin
precancers called hypertrophic actinic keratosis (HAK). This may be due to the
inability of the photosensitizer drug to penetrate the thick skin. These growths
may need to be frozen or surgically removed or thinned using a curette prior to
PDT.
PDT may also not be very useful for more advanced skin cancers like
morpheaform or sclerosing basal cell carcinoma, moderately to poorly
differentiated squamous cell carcinomas, recurrent tumors (tumors that were
previously removed and have regrown at the same site, or lesions in previously
radiated (X-ray or radiation treatments) sites, and malignant melanoma.
What are possible complications of photodynamic therapy?
Overall, most
patients tolerate the minor procedure very well without any complications.
However, PDT is associated with some possible minor risks and complications.
Since an exaggerated light-sensitive reaction is expected by definition of PDT,
most patients understand and expect some type of a sunburn or red reaction after
skin PDT. Not everyone gets a sunburn reaction, however. Some patients may have
no visible reaction or redness.
Possible risks and complications of photodynamic therapy include (but are not
limited to) burning, skin discoloration, skin redness, prominent tiny blood
vessels (telangeictasia), pain, infection, cold-sore activation,
blisters, scabs, unsightly scars, keloids (raised, thick scars), cosmetic
disfigurement, skin discoloration, eye injury or swelling, allergic reactions,
prolonged sun sensitivity, reaction to topical anesthesia, precancer or cancer
recurrence, need for further treatment including biopsy, radiation or plastic
surgery, and rarely death.
Minor, serious, or life-threatening reactions can occur with the use of
anesthetics or with medications given before, after, or during a procedure.
Is there scarring from photodynamic therapy?
No, PDT usually does not leave
scars in typical cases. Overall when you undergo PDT, there will be some type of
a red skin reaction and irritation for three to 10 days after the treatment. Some
people are more sensitive to PDT and the light treatment than others. Similarly,
some people heal better or faster than others. Some residual redness may be more
noticeable depending on the location and skin type. Some people may have
temporary skin discoloration that may last weeks to months. Patients with darker
skin types may have more skin discoloration after treatment.
Next: What are alternatives for photodynamic therapy? »
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