Photodynamic Therapy Center - Palmdale, CA
Palmdale 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 Palmdale * Pacific Surgical & Laser Institute  Daniel Taheri MD  Jasbir S Sandhu MD  West Dermatology Medical Group  West Dermatology Medical Group  Descanso Dermatology  Descanso Dermatology  Descanso Dermatology  Alan Mantell MD  Jane Wada MD  James R Esther MD  Marion Quinn & Heather Butler MDs  Dr David Denenholz Inc  Dr David Denenholz Inc  Dr David Denenholz Inc  Marion Quinn & Heather Butler MDs  Robert B Seltzer MD  Dr David Denenholz Inc  Lenore Kakita MD  HealthCare Partners Medical Group Fair Oaks  Dong Chang MD  Advanced Cosmetics & Dermatology Medical Center Inc  Marilyn A Mehlmauer MD & Sogol Saghari MD  Marilyn A Mehlmauer MD & Sogol Saghari MD  Oshin Bojalian MD  Huntington Dermatology Group  Michael Novak MD Inc  Christiaan P Hallman MD  Huntington Dermatology Group  Michael Novak MD Inc  Huntington Dermatology Group  Bennett & Shim MDs  Paul J McAndrews MD  Bennett & Shim MDs  Garbis Kassabian  Irene Lao MD  David A Voron MD Inc  Lisa Benest MD  Lisa Benest MD  Facey Medical Foundation Mission Hills  Lakeside Medical Associates  Martin H Kay MD  Jeff Ashley MD  John J Guagenti MD  Dermatology Surgical Medical  Michael T Lin MD  Advanced Dermatology Center & Cosmetic Care  Tri-Valley Dermatology and Laser Cdenter  Sid Danesh MD  Kaiser Permanente Dermatology  Kaiser Permanente Dermatology  Facey Medical Group San Gabriel  George Tabor MD  Evelyn Jankowski MD  Michael McCray MD  Lawrence M Schall MD  Steven Naltsas MD  Jen-Yee Shen MD  Michael E Borok MD  Daniel E Gormley MD  Lo Medical Group  USC Norris Cancer Center & Hospital Dermatology  USC Norris Cancer Center & Hospital Dermatology  LAC & USC Medical Center  LAC & USC Medical Center  West Dermatology Medical Group  West Dermatology Medical Group  Kaiser Permanente  Kaiser Permanente  Angela Castellano MD  Marie D Leviste MD  Edward Petko MD  Mid Valley Dermatology  Mid Valley Dermatology  Northridge Dermatology Associates  Northridge Dermatology Associates  Boston Dermatology  Northridge Dermatology Associates  California Dermatology Center  Jacob Rispler MD  Richard H Chu MD  Rebecca L Fitzgerald MD  Rozalia Kovelman MD  Magan Medical Clinic  LA Laser & Cosmetic Dermatology Center  John J Estrada MD  Christopher Ho MD  LA Laser & Cosmetic Dermatology Center  Stuart L Shear MD  Lawrence Osman MD  Leopold G Hernandez MD  Drs Cho & Han  Kangihnn Paik MD  Indianer Lask & Rosenzweig Dermatology Group  Stephen J Friedman MD  Indianer Lask & Rosenzweig Dermatology Group  Indianer Lask & Rosenzweig Dermatology Group  Indianer Lask & Rosenzweig Dermatology Group  Indianer Lask & Rosenzweig Dermatology Group  Indianer Lask & Rosenzweig Dermatology Group Palmdale, CaliforniaUpcoming Local Events2012-06-10
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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 Palmdale
Nearby Palmdale Hospitals *Lancaster Community Hospital Antelope Valley Hospital Olive View UCLA Medical Center Verdugo Hills Hospital Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital Pacifica Hospital of the Valley Providence Holy Cross Medical Center Aurora Las Encinas Hospital Glendale Adventist Medical Center Huntington Hospital Kaiser Permanente Panorama City Medical Center Methodist Hospital Mission Community Hospital Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center City of Hope National Medical Center Glendale Memorial Hospital & Health Center San Gabriel Valley Medical Center Valley Presbyterian Hospital Hollywood Community Hospital of Van Nuys Foothill Presbyterian Hospital Alhambra Hospital Medical Center East Valley Hospital Medical Center Northridge Hospital Medical Center Childrens Hospital Los Angeles Sherman Oaks Hospital Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center Gateways Hospital & Mental Health Center 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
- Alcoholism is a disease that includes alcohol craving and continued drinking despite repeated alcohol-related problems, such as losing a job or getting into trouble with the law.
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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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