There are 4 Basic Types of Skin Cancer |
| |
(1) BCC (Basal Cell Carcinoma)
This is the most common type of skin cancer. It may be skin
coloured, red or pale and it may be raised, flat or ulcerated.
It typically occurs on areas of the body exposed to sun. It
is usually slow growing, but sometimes can spread locally
more rapidly.
(2) Bowens Disease (Intraepidermal Squamous Cell
Carcinoma)
This is also common and is usually flat, red and scaly. It
is slow growing but can become quite large if left untreated.
Occasionally it can turn into a squamous cell carcinoma. It
typically occurs on sun exposed areas of the body.
(3) Squamous Cell Carcinomas
This is less common than BCC and Bowens but still frequently
seen in a skin cancer practice. It is typically raised and
nodular. It is more aggressive than BCC and Bowens and can
spread to local lymph glands.
(4) Melanoma
This is usually brown or black and somewhat irregular. An
important clue is if it has changed over the previous few
months. It is deadly and if discovered too late, can spread
to lymph glands and other organs.
|
What can be Treated with Photodynamic Therapy
(PDT)?
|
| |
BCC and Bowens Disease are successfully treated with PDT.
PDT is unproven in the treatment of SCC and it cannot be used
for melanoma.
PDT can also be used for Solar Keratoses. Solar Keratoses
are commonly known as “sunspots” and they are
usually red, flat and scaly although sometimes they can be
raised. They are areas of damage in the skin but are not a
skin cancer (Although a small number can later turn into skin
cancers).
|
| |
PDT works by emitting a red light of a wavelength (630mm)
that specifically targets a chemical (A.L.A) that has been earlier
applied to the skin cancer. A photochemical reaction then occurs
which selectively destroys the skin cancer cells.
|
| |
PDT works by emitting a red light of a wavelength (630mm)
that specifically targets a chemical which has been earlier
applied to the skin cancer. A photochemical reaction then
occurs which selectively destroys the skin cancer cells.
|
| |
The effectiveness of PDT has been proven in international
clinical studies since 1996. A study with Solar Keratoses (with
a 1 year follow-up) demonstrated 100% clearance rate. 2 studies
with Bowens Disease (follow-up from 1 to 5 years) demonstrated
a 90 to 100% clearance rate. 6 studies with BCC (follow-up 1
to 6 years) demonstrated a 86 to 100% clearance rate.
|
What are the Advantages of PDT? |
| |
PDT is able to selectively destroy skin cancer cells with
minimal damage to surrounding tissue. Cosmetic outcome is excellent
with visible scarring being absent or minimal.
Cryotherapy, curettage, electrocautery, irradiation and surgery,
however, are not able to spare normal tissue and will always
result in scarring or loss of skin pigment.
|
What is a PDT Treatment Like? |
| |
At the beginning of the day, you need to attend the practice
where a special photosensitising cream (ALA) is applied to the
lesion. A simple dressing will then be applied to cover the
site. After 4 to 6 hours the dressing will be removed and the
skin will be illuminated with pure red light. When the treatment
has finished, a special dressing will be applied which will
exclude light. This must be left on for 36 hours.
|
Is the Treatment Painful? |
| |
Some patients may require a local anaesthetic injection whereas
others may not, depending on the site of the lesion.
|
What Happens After the Treatment? |
| |
When the dressing is removed after 36 hours, a crust may form
which will come away by itself after several days.
|
How Many Treatments are Necessary? |
| |
Usually only 1 treatment is necessary but occasionally a second
is required for some thicker lesions.
|
Results of PDT for Skin Cancers: |
| |
| Skin
Cancer |
| |
Before |
After |
| |
| Skin
Cancer |
|
Before |
After |
| |
|
| Skin
Cancer |
|
|
Before |
After |
| |
|
| |
The consultation with the doctor is $60.00, from which you
can claim back $25.00 from Medicare. The cost of the PDT is
usually $220.00 although larger lesions and lesions on the face
may cost more. If more than 1 lesion is being treated, the other
lesions will be charged at half price. |
