PDT - because a face as beautiful as yours doesn't need a scar

PDT stands for Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic Therapy is a major step forward in the treatment of superficial skin cancers, achieving excellent cosmetic outcomes with relatively few side effects. For many patients, PDT surpasses current therapies as first line treatment for superficial skin cancers and is also used for photo rejuvenation of sun damaged skin, as well as for skin conditions such as Acne and Rosacea.

In Queensland, where skin cancer is more prevalent than anywhere in the world, treatment options have until recently involved often poor cosmetic outcome from surgical scars due to excisions causing marked scarring, depigmented areas of skin from liquid nitrogen or protracted and unsightly side effects from topical Efudix treatments. This is particularly difficult for patients when these sunspots and skin cancers are on cosmetically sensitive areas such as the face, hands and décolletage. Conversely with PDT there is virtually no scarring and inflammatory changes resolve within a week or two.-it achieves excellent cosmesis with relatively few side effects. The other advantage is that unlike Imiquimod which also achieves excellent cosmesis, PDT does not rely on patient compliance as it is doctor operated.

PDT uses a different approach to treatment of skin cancers compared to conventional treatments. It is a simple noninvasive two -step procedure and involves the application of a photosensitizing agent (ALA or METVIX) followed by exposure to light from the specifically designed Aktilite lamp. The cells in the lesion absorb the active ingredient from the Metvix cream or ALA . A protective dressing is applied to prevent light exposure and the ointment or cream is left in place for about three hours for absorption. Treatment with a lamp or laser is next for about 10 minutes, using illumination from a light source with a specific wavelength of light. Red light (about 630 wavelength) is recommended because of the depth of penetration that can be achieved. Protective goggles are worn by both patient and doctor and pain relief is provided as necessary -cool air, local anesthetic, ice packs or analgesics .(Not everyone experiences pain, however patients may experience a stinging or burning sensation during illumination). When exposed to this light ,a chemical reaction occurs which destroys only the lesion leaving the healthy skin unharmed. After treatment the use of topical Vaseline or antibiotic creams helps keep wounds moist and aid skin healing If the lesions being treated are basal cell cancers a second treatment a month later will be required.

PDT is most suitable for treating superficial basal cell cancers, Bowen's disease and solar keratoses-your doctor might refer to them as BCCs or AKs or simply "lesions" It is not effective in treating melanoma and squamous cell cancers. Regular skin checks are required after successful tumour clearance with PDT as recurrence is possible.