Photodynamic therapy
Treatment Time
3-4 hours
Numbing
Not required
Discomfort
Minimal/Moderate
Recovery Time
3-10 days
Service Overview
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a suitable treatment for some non-melanoma skin cancers and pre-cancerous lesions. These include:
- Actinic keratoses (or solar keratoses)
- Superficial basal cell carcinomas
- Squamous cell carcinoma in situ (Bowens disease)
PDT consists of the application of a cream, followed by exposure to light from a specifically designed Aktilte lamp or daylight. The lesion cells absorb the active ingredient from the cream, which when exposed to the light, undergoes a chemical reaction that destroys the abnormal lesion.
What To Expect
The area will be gently washed prior to treatment, then marked out and prepared by removing any scale or crust. The skin surface will be roughened, which allows the cream and light to reach the affected skin. Cream will be applied and is then covered. This covering must remain on the skin for three hours. We then remove the covering and cream and the area will immediately be exposed to the light, with your eyes being protected. Exposure to the light will take less than 10 minutes, during which time your clinician will remain with you and can assist with relieving any discomfort you may experience.
How To Prepare
A consult with our dermatologist will review your lesions. Biopsies or other tests may be conducted to confirm the nature of the lesion. If PDT is recommended for you, you should make the treatment appointment at a time that best suits, as you will be required to have a cream and cover on the area for 3 hours prior to exposure to the light. We have comfortable waiting rooms here in the clinic, but you are free to leave during this time also. If treatment is to the face, neck or chest, please do not wear make-up, lipstick or mascara on the day of treatment.
Aftercare
Immediately after treatment, Vaseline and a dressing will be applied to the area, which should remain for 24 hours. The treated area may ooze for 48-72 hours and may appear crusty and inflamed for 7-10 days after treatment. Instructions will be given for caring for the area during this time. If your face has been treated, it is advised to sleep with your head elevated for the first night. You may shower/bathe as normal, using regular products. Make-up can be worn when any treated areas have healed. Avoid applying perfume to any treated area. If required, the treated area can be gently shaved when the skin surface has healed. Alcohol, strenuous exercise and activity should be avoided for the rest of the day. Once the treated skin has healed, we highly recommend diligent use of a sunscreen with a SPF 50+ or greater, to protect your skin.
The Benefits
- Non-invasive and effective treatment
- Short recovery time, compared with excision options
- Minimal disruption to schedule
- Minimal scarring
Before and After
FAQs
What does this treatment feel like?
The feeling of PDT treatment varies between individuals, however most patients notice a warm tingling or burning sensation during the short treatment under the light. We mitigate discomfort with local anaesthetic or chilled water spray during treatment.
What is the cost of photodynamic Treatment?
The cost of the PDT therapy depends on the number of lesions or area being treated. As a guide, prices start at $750.
Are there any possible risks or complications to this treatment?
As with all medical treatments, there are potential risks associated with this procedure, including but not limited to:
- Post treatment erythema (redness) – expected for 7-10 days after treatment. After the area has healed, a red/pink area will be present, which will fade over several weeks, or occasionally months. This is normal and temporary.
- A mild sunburn-like discomfort on the day of treatment.
- Haemoserous ooze (pale yellow fluid) and possible bleeding points in the first few days and beyond.
- Appearing inflamed and crusty for 7-10 days.
- Hypo-pigmentation (fading of skin colour) – uncommon
- Hyper-pigmentation (darkening of skin colour) – may occur in darker skin types.
- Incomplete removal of the lesion – this will often require further treatment to ensure cancer is removed.
- Infection – rare.
- Scarring – rare.
Love the skin you’re in
At Neutral Bay Laser & Dermatology Clinic, we’re committed to providing the most effective treatments for your skin, with the utmost safety, for the whole family. That’s why the first step of every treatment is a review by our dermatologist, Dr Terence Poon. Make your appointment today to love the skin you’re in.
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