Healthy skin cells go through a lengthy growth process that regenerates all three layers of the skin. The skin will actually completely regenerate itself about once a month. If this growth process is disrupted, then it can lead to some unwanted health issues. The most common way the skin cell growth cycle is disturbed is by excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation. This will damage the skin cells and cause them to multiply at an unhealthy rate, which will eventually lead to skin cancer. If you have just been diagnosed with skin cancer, then you may want to think about using photodynamic therapy to treat your condition.
What Is Photodynamic Therapy?
Photodynamic therapy is a medical procedure designed to eliminate the cancer cells in the skin. This is done using medication and light therapy. The medication will make the cancer cells vulnerable to light. This is administered to the body via a skin cream or an injection. The body is then exposed to a special light for a prolonged period of time, which will kill the skin cancer cells.
Who Is a Candidate?
Photodynamic therapy is the perfect choice for anyone suffering from a thin form of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell, or actinic keratosis. The treatment will provide the same results as a skin cancer removal surgery without the need to undergo a potentially dangerous operation. You will also get to avoid a lengthy recovery process.
What to Expect
Our professionals will give you the photosensitizing medication. It will take several hours for the medication to be absorbed by the cancer cells. Once the wait time is over, the doctor will expose the skin to the special light. The light is only targeted at the cancer cells to ensure your healthy skin cells stay unharmed.
A scab will form over the skin cancer cells shortly after the photodynamic therapy procedure is finished. A dressing will be applied to the skin to prevent the scab from getting infected. You will need to protect the skin from excessive exposure to the sun during the recovery process. It should take multiple weeks for the skin to completely heal.
You will have to return for a follow up appointment after the initial appointment. The doctor will check to make sure all of the cancer cells are destroyed. If some of the cancer is still remaining, then you will undergo another photodynamic therapy session.
Quick treatment is crucial for effective treatment of skin cancer. The professionals at Advanced Skin Care & Laser Center would be more than happy to discuss your options with you. We are conveniently located in Wyomissing, PA. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!