Photodynamic therapy or PDT for short is a new way of treating some skin cancers and certain other pre-cancerous skin lesions. These are basal cell carcinoma’s, Bowen’s Disease and also actinic (or solar) keratosis.
PDT is quick, easy, and does not result in scarring. It is now the preferred treatment for many skin cancers in the UK. Photodynamic therapy is not the preferred treatment for squamous cell skin cancers as these have a high chance of recurrence and we want to be sure that the treatment has succeeded.
Putting it very simply, photodynamic therapy for skin cancers involves applying a special light sensitizing cream to the affected area and a little of the surrounding area and then after a short while shining a bright light onto the treated area. The cells which have absorbed the chemical and are then subject to the bright light will die off leaving fresh normal skin to grow in its place. Normal cells are left relatively undamaged. This is because PDT affects mainly fast growing skin cancer or pre-cancer cells. Continue reading ‘Photodynamic Therapy (Pdt) For Skin Cancer In London’ »