Photodynamic Treatment For Skin Cancer

WHAT IS PDT?

PDT is a better way to treat superficial skin cancer, sun damaged spot, aged skin on all areas of body. It is non-invasive technology, and ALA which is a naturally occurring substance applied over the affected area. ALA gets absorbed through the affected area and red light (LED) PDT is focused on the treatment area (roughly 25 to 35 minutes).

The abnormal skin cell when exposed to the PDT light therapy, skin cancer cells are selectively destroyed. ALA also gets absorbed by the oil glands, bacteria, sun damaged spots and hence it gives a better skin texture.

WHY PDT?

Compared to other skin cancer treatment, with PDT the down time is minimal.

  • Minimal adverse events.
  • Non-surgical treatment.
  • Excellent AESTHETIC result.
  • Other AESTHETIC benefits as mentioned above.

ADVANTAGES OF PDT:

  • Treats pre-cancerous lesions – sunspots (actinic keratosis)
  • Treats superficial skin cancer
  • Treats acne.
  • Improves rosacea.
  • Improves skin tone and texture.

WHO CAN’T HAVE PDT WITH ALA TREATMENT?

  • Peanut allergy
  • Roaccutane with in the last 6 months
  • SLE, Lupus, porphyria
  • Pregnant and breast-feeding women.

DO I HAVE TO PREPARE MY SKIN BEFORE PDT?

  • Avoid sun exposure 2 weeks before treatment and up to 4 weeks after treatment.
  • Start applying moisturising cream at least a week before treatment to soften the skin.
  • Cease all the skin creams the night before the treatment.
  • Avoid any make up prior to the treatment.
  • Please bring wide brimmed hat and long sleeve shirt, sun goggles.
  • You can take antihistamine (claratyne, Zyrtec 10 mg prior to the treatment).
  • Notify your doctor if you have cold sore as PDT may result in reactivation of virus.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING TREATMENT?

  • Preparation of skin – your doctor will notify you regarding the time of treatment.
  • Cleanse the skin and exfoliate with medical grade sandpaper sheet.
  • Remove the skin debris.
  • Apply ALA cream and leave it for 3 hours.
  • Skin will be thoroughly cleansed and remove the ALA cream.
  • Application of PDT light therapy (28 to 35 minutes)
  • Special goggles will be given to protect your eye.
  • You do expect to have discomfort over the treatment area during PDT treatment.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER TREATMENT?

To begin with during 1st week, expect redness, swelling, burning and tingling sensation, itching. This is an expected outcome following treatment and usually treated with simple pain killers, ice pack, soothing cream (cleanser and moisturising cream), antihistamine.

Use sunscreen protection at least SPF 30, and full protective gearing if you go out under the sun.

We will provide you with after care instruction pack to take home.

Dr Narayan specialises in skin cancer treatment, will consult with you regarding the skin condition that needs to be treated, assess suitability, discuss about other treatment options if appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Actinic keratosis:

Most of the patients will respond to one treatment, however you may need 2 sessions. Will need review in 3 months’ time to assess for recurrence.

Basal cell carcinoma and Squamous cell carcinoma:

2 treatments with one week interval. Treated lesions will need to be reviewed in 3 months’ time to assess recurrence.

Generally, the duration of treatment ranges between 4 – 5 hrs.

Very common: (1 in 10 people)
Pain and discomfort, burning sensation / stinging sensation, erythema, Itching, facial oedema.
Common: (1 /10 to 1/100 people)
Crusting, ulceration, blisters, infection, bleeding, hypo and hyperpigmentation
Uncommon: (1 in 100)
Rash, urticaria, skin irritation

As the photosensitiser makes the skin sensitive, you should avoid direct sunlight for at least 6 weeks after the light therapy.

Do you know Queenslander are more likely to die from skin cancer than road crashes and Queensland has been reported as the skin cancer capital of the world.

As a general rule – should have regular annual skin check but any concerns your doctor will recommend 3 to 6 monthly check if needed or for follow up.

Check UV index every day, and if it is above 3 stay SunSmart by remembering to slip, slop, slap, seek and slide!

No matter how hot it is, strongly recommend to use sun screen protection. SPF (sun protection factor) 30+ or 50+ does not give you 100 % protection. SPF 30+ gives 96.8 % protection; SPF 50+ gives 98% protection.

No: You have to use sunscreen protection judiciously and it lasts up to 3 hrs. You need to reapply every 2-3 hrs if you are spending time under the sun. If you are swimming, you have to reapply every 40 to 50 mins.

Your doctor will recommend appropriate treatment and if the lesions are not eligible for conventional treatment of surgery – actinic keratosis, BCC and SCC if appropriate can be treated with Photodynamic therapy.

www.cancerqld.org.au
www.cancercouncil.com.au
www.melanoma.org.au

The desired aesthetic effects and the dose required varies with individual, based on ongoing skin care treatment and sedentary lifestyles.

Dr Narayan is a trained Cosmetic doctor, with special interest in the Skin and Hair rejuvenation. He uses the latest technology and high-quality products; client centred and provide individualised treatment with high standard of care.

We will book an appointment with Dr Narayan for a consultation to discuss about your concerns, medical health condition and assess the suitability for the treatment to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome.

We will arrange a follow up appointment in 2 weeks to assess the response.

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