Stafford Skincare

providing specialist dermatology care

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) for the treatment of skin cancers and pre-cancerous skin growths

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a well-established and highly successful method of treating selected Basal Cell Cancers, Bowen’s Disease and Actinic Keratosis (red scaling patches found in sun-damaged skin). Photodynamic Therapy is approved by NICE and has excellent cosmetic results and cure rates.

Treatment with Photodynamic Therapy is very simple. When used to treat skin cancers and pre-cancerous skin growths, a light sensitive cream is rubbed on to the affected area and covered for 4 – 6 hours so that the cream penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin. The cream is only absorbed by abnormal skin cells. Shining a specific wavelength of red light (not laser) on to the treated area activates the cream which then selectively destroys the abnormal skin cells. Healing is very rapid – usually 1 or 2 weeks only – because the surrounding healthy skin is not damaged, and the resulting cosmetic appearance is excellent.

The side effects of Photodynamic Therapy usually depend on the total length of time that the cream has been applied. It is normal to feel a burning sensation during treatment, with pain, itching, redness, swelling and crusting of the treated area for approximately 1 week after treatment. After treatment, the area is usually covered with a dressing for 2 days.

Dr. Anne Ward has been using Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) to treat patients with skin cancers and pre-cancerous skin growths since 2001. PDT is covered by most private health insurance policies.

 

Basal cell cancer of the ear before and after PDT

 

 

 

Bowen's disease before and after PDT

 

---

© K.A.Ward 2009