PDT
non-surgical treatment for skin cancer
There’s a non-surgical treatment option for some non-melanoma skin cancers and certain types of precancerous lesions.
Medically these lesions are known as superficial and nodular basal cell carcinomas and actinic keratoses (or solar keratoses).
As well as being effective, the potential for scarring with PDT treatment is minimised.
What does this PDT treatment involve?
PDT is short for photodynamic therapy.
Photodynamic therapy involves three simple steps:
1. Simple preparation of the lesion.
2. Application of the light activated cream.
3. Exposure of the lesion to a special red light.
When exposed to the special red light, the ingredient in the cream is activated and destroys abnormal cells that cause these BCCs and AKs.
What advantages does it provide over conventional treatments?
Clinical studies in Australia and around the world have proven that this PDT treatment is effective for treating these lesions.
The additional advantage it provides is excellent cosmetic results.
The non-invasive and selective nature of the treatment minimise the potential for scarring and side effects. As you can see from the before and after pictures below, in many cases BCCs and AKs can be removed without a trace.
This is one of the reasons why clinical studies in Australia and overseas have found that most patients who have had previous treatment for AK with cryotherapy and topical chemical therapy were more satisfied with PDT treatment.
What side effects can this treatment have?
Not everyone experiences side effects. Some people experience local discomfort at the treatment site during and after light exposure, which is the most common side effect. The local reactions are generally of mild or moderate intensity and resolve rapidly.
Performed at Solaris Skin Cancer Clinic.
This PDT treatment can be performed at Solaris Skin Cancer Clinic. Unlike some of the other treatment options, it involves just two sessions performed one week apart. You can even have several lesions treated in the same session.