Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) for Treatment of Precancerous Lesions
Photodynamic therapy, often shortened to PDT, is a treatment therapy that combines the power of light energy with particular photosensitized drugs to destroy precancerous and cancerous cells. It can also be used to treat viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. Spectrum Dermatology of Atlanta provides the latest photodynamic therapy for treating precancerous lesions at our medical clinic outside Atlanta in Alpharetta, GA.
Photodynamic therapy basically uses a drug that targets cancer cells but is only activated when bombarded with a specific wavelength of light energy. A laser device is used for this purpose. Several photosynthesized medications are available to treat various types of cancers, including skin, lung, brain, bladder, pancreas, bile duct, esophagus, and those affecting the head and neck.
Treat Precancerous Lesions Early Through PDT
As skilled dermatologists, Dr. Emma Murad and Dr. Susan Spitzler are continually seeking new and effective ways to treat skin cancer patients and precancerous developments. PDT, or photodynamic therapy, is a leading method to effectively target and destroy precancerous lesions on the skin without surgical intervention or other invasive means.
The light-activated, cancer-killing medication can be applied directly into the lesion and allowed to saturate it. Then the LED-type light of the correct wavelength is targeted on the lesion, activating the medication and causing it to become highly toxic to the cancerous cells. Surrounding skin cells are not harmed. The laser light also stimulates your body’s immune system to attack the offending cancer cells.
This treatment is highly preferred as a stand-alone method for treating precancerous lesions, but it can also be combined with other cancer treatments. It can also be repeated as many times as necessary without side effects or damaging the surrounding tissues. Spectrum Dermatology of Atlanta can provide PDT for precancerous lesions as an outpatient procedure at our clinic in Alpharetta. Call or message us online today to schedule a skin cancer consultation.