At Storwick Dermatology we are proud to offer Photodynamic Therapy to our patients for the treatment of precancerous lesions.
Photodynamic therapy, also known as a PDT, is a treatment that uses special medications known as photosensitizing agents along with light to kill pre-cancerous cells. The medications only work after they have been activated by certain kinds of light, most often BLU-U and or RED light. The photosensitizing agent is applied topically to the skin in the area being treated. Over a certain amount of time the agent is absorbed by the cancer cell, typically 45-60 minutes. Light is then applied to the area being treated, typically for 25 minutes. The light causes the drug to react with oxygen, which forms a chemical that kills the cells.
PDT might also help by destroying the blood vessels that feed the cancer cells and by alerting the immune system to attack the cancer. You may feel stinging or burning once the area is exposed to the light, but it should go away within a day or so. The treated area may get red and scale and crust for up to 2 weeks before healing.
For more information on Photodynamic Therapy please call Storwick Dermatology at 403-286-0086. For more medical services click here.