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A Non-Surgical Treatment for Skin Cancer and Chronic Conditions

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a medical treatment that uses a combination of light and a photosensitizing agent (a special medication that becomes active when exposed to a specific wavelength of light) to target abnormal cells.

  • Photosensitizer Application: The treatment starts with applying or injecting a photosensitizing agent. This medication is absorbed by cells, particularly those that are abnormal or damaged, such as cancerous cells or precancerous lesions.
  • Light Activation: After allowing time for the photosensitizer to be absorbed, the targeted area is exposed to a specific type of light, often blue or red, which activates the photosensitizer.
  • Cellular Damage: Once activated, the photosensitizer produces a form of oxygen that damages or destroys the targeted abnormal cells while leaving healthy tissue largely unharmed.
  • Healing and Recovery: The damaged cells are then naturally cleared away by the body, and the treated area begins to heal.
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Applications of PDT in Dermatology

PDT is commonly used in dermatology to treat conditions like actinic keratoses (precancerous skin lesions) and, in some cases, early-stage skin cancer. It can also be used in other areas of medicine, such as treating certain types of cancer or infections.

Advantages:

  • Minimally invasive
  • Highly targeted, reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissue
  • Can be performed in an outpatient setting

Considerations:

  • Treated skin can become temporarily sensitive to light, requiring patients to avoid sunlight or bright indoor light for a few days after the procedure.

Set Up Your Appointment With a Dermatologist Today

If you want to find out if you are a good candidate for photodynamic therapy, use the buttons below to find a clinician or location near you that offers this treatment.

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