Thursday, September 9, 2010

Photo Dynamic Therapy is An Excellent Alternative for Removing Pre-Cancerous Lesions

Photo Dynamic Therapy is an excellent treatment for the removal of pre-cancerous lesions. The greatest advantage of PDT is the ability to selectively treat an entire area of skin damage and precancers (blanket or field treatment). PDT generally decreases the likelihood of lighter or darker skin spots (post-inflammatory hyper- or hypopigmentation) caused by routine freezing with liquid nitrogen. Additionally, PDT frequently may facilitate smoother skin and an overall improved appearance, tone, color, and enhanced skin texture.

In several studies, PDT has been preferred by many patients for ease of use and recovery as compared to alternative treatments including freezing and chemotherapy creams like fluorouracil (Efudex). The PDT side effects may be milder with less downtime than with fluorouracil.

For patients with many skin lesions, PDT may be generally more effective than repeated spot treatment with topical liquid nitrogen. Some patients are unable to tolerate the prolonged treatment required with fluorouracil or imiquimod (Aldara) because of the irritation, redness, and possible downtime with these topical creams. PDT has become a very well tolerated, essentially painless, noninvasive (no needles or surgery required) procedure to help reduce sun damage and enhance the overall cosmetic outcome (particularly in sensitive areas of the face and chest).

Winter Park Laser has been performing Photo-Dynamic Therapy with Levulan for Sun Damage and Acne for over 6 years in Orlando.

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