Photodynamic therapy (PDT)
Photodynamic therapy, also known as PDT, is a technique for treating early localised skin cancers and sun-damaged skin which may one day turn cancerous (pre- cancers).
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What is it for?
Treatment for localised skin cancers
Treatment overview
PDT involves applying a special cream to the affected area of skin followed by shining a highly targeted light to destroy cancer cells while leaving nearby healthy cells undamaged.
PDT can be used to treat various skin conditions including:
- Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs)
- Bowen鈥檚 disease (squamous cell carcinoma in situ) - pre-cancerous condition
- Actinic (solar) keratoses - sun damage lesions, pre-cancerous condition
At present, photodynamic therapy cannot be used to treat malignant melanomas (a rare type of skin cancer), although the technology is constantly evolving.
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AOA体育平台, in collaboration with Northwestern Medicine, operate as teams of experts with world-class resources, dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of care. Supported by the latest treatments, expert guidance, and a comfortable recovery environment in our patient rooms, you'll have everything you need to regain your best health.
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Exceptional patient care is a way of life for us. We鈥檒l be with you every step of the way, tailoring your care to your specific needs, including healthy and delicious meals designed to support your recovery. We keep our staff-to-patient ratio low, so our nurses, clinicians, therapists, and support teams can offer a personalised, quality experience.
Effortlessly simple
We work together as one to guide you through every step of your patient experience. From explaining your personal treatment plan to ensuring all details are taken care of, we make the process stress-free, so you can focus on your health. Whether it鈥檚 your first consultation or follow-up care, our teams are here to provide seamless support and the peace of mind you deserve.
What's included in your package?
Choosing AOA体育平台 means your treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
Your treatment package will include:
- Enhanced pre-admission assessment
- Your treatment with our complete care team at your fingertips
- Personalised aftercare and follow-up
We want you to be in control of your health. That鈥檚 why we also offer optional services such as comprehensive recovery packages and extra touches for you to choose from during your stay with us. To help you manage the cost, we also offer a 0% finance option, allowing you to spread the payments for your treatment over 12 months with no added interest. Learn more about our .
How to pay
- You can use private medical insurance (PMI) to access this treatment. We work with all major PMI providers in the UK and many internationally
- You can pay for yourself (self-pay)
- If you鈥檙e paying for yourself, we have 0% finance options available with Chrysalis. Find out more .
FAQs
Photodynamic therapy involves the application of a photosensitiser (light sensitive) cream onto the affected skin. When light of a certain wavelength is shone onto it, the photosensitiser is activated.
This affects the oxygen molecules within the cancerous skin cells, causing them to destroy the abnormal cells.
The photosensitiser alone is harmless, as is the light.
Only when the 2 are combined will they treat the abnormal area of your skin.
- You will come to AOA体育平台 as an outpatient appointment
- Cream containing the photosensitive agent is applied to the area of skin to be treated and covered with a dressing.
- The cream takes 3 hours to be absorbed. During this time you may stay at the hospital or you may leave and return to the hospital later
- Light from a special LED lamp is then shone on the target area for up to 10 minutes.
- The treated area is dressed to protect it from exposure to light.
Treatment can be repeated a week apart dependent on the lesion.
After photodynamic therapy, the affected area will form a scab whilst its healing. The scab will then drop off, leaving healed skin with no scarring.
The photosensitive chemicals used will vary depending on the location and type of cancer.
Unlike chemotherapy or radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy skin cancer treatment is quick and easy and has very few side effects.
It can produce minor discomfort, such as a burning or tingling sensation, but this can be relieved with paracetamol, a local anaesthetic or/and with a cooling machine such as the cryocooler available in our Clinical Procedure Rooms.