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
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) consultation at The London Clinic
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’s 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.
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.Â
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 The London Clinic 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.
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Where possible, we’ll provide a fixed-price package for your hospital care. This covers your hospital stay, nursing, and use of our facilities, giving you a clear guide to what those costs will be.
- Pre-op assessment
- Hospital stay, nursing care and meals
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- Take-home medication (up to 5 days)
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- Unplanned extended stay or ITU (if clinically required)
- Initial consultation and any tests done during it
- Consultant and anaesthetist fees (quoted separately)
- Physio or therapy before or after your stay
- Diagnostics before admission (unless agreed in your plan)
- Specialist medication beyond 5 days
- Ambulance transport or bespoke prosthetics
Your consultant’s fees are quoted separately and shared directly by their office after your consultation. These professional fees cover the time, expertise, and care provided by your consultant before, during, and after your treatment. See our full terms and conditions
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If you choose to pay for your treatment at The London Clinic over 12 months, you can make use of a great 0% interest option and pay nothing extra. Or you can choose to pay over two to five years at 14.9% APR.
Trustees of the London Clinic Ltd trading as The London Clinic is an Appointed Representative of Chrysalis Finance Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The London Clinic is a credit broker, not a lender. The provider of a payment scheme which is not offered through or by Chrysalis Finance Limited may not be so authorised and regulated. Cancer treatments or transplants aren’t covered by finance packages. Finance options are only available for UK patients.