DERMATOPATHOLOGICAL INSTITUTE
DR. PABLO UMBERT
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932 800 361
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PHOTODYNAMIC TREATMENT (PDT)
Photodynamic therapy is a potentially effective option for treating various skin diseases such as Actinic Keratosis, Bowen's Disease and Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma. It is a noninvasive method with a low incidence of side effects.
Definition
The technique is based on the administration of a photosensitizing agent (methyl-aminolevulinate cream) and the subsequent stimulation of the area being treated through adequate light-waves (laser). This process leads to the destruction of malignant cells and the bacteria in the skin.
Indications
In the field of dermatology it is intended for the treatment of:
- Actinic keratoses
- Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma
- Photo-aging
- Acne
- Bowen's disease with variable results
Use indications
On treatment day, the lesion crusts are removed, the cream is applied and lesion is covered for 3 hours. During this period of time the patient may go home or back to work. Upon his return the cream is removed and the affected area is treated with adequate light waves (laser) for about 10 minutes. In most cases this process is done twice, although some exceptional cases may require additional sessions.
Side Effects
Pain is the most common adverse side effect during the procedure.
The photodynamic treatment’s side effects are pain, redness, swelling, blisters and scabs, which usually heal within three to five days, however they may last up to two to three weeks. There is a new modality of PDT by using the light of the day causing less pain, however its success is diminished and a supplementary treatment is required.
Interactions
The main contraindication of Photodynamic Therapy is in patients with porphyria or with severe liver disease and heart disease.
Doctor Pablo Umbert
Clínica Corachan
Pl. Manuel Corachán, 4, 4a Planta
08017 Barcelona
932 800 361
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© 2014 Dr. Pablo Umbert