What exactly is Photodynamic Therapy and Treatment?

Photodynamic Therapy, also known simply as PDT, is a treatment, originally developed for specifically treating skin cancer, which uses a combination of focused light and oxygen. The therapy is still primarily used for the treatment of skin cancers and benign skin conditions, though it has seen increasing use and effectiveness for general dermatological treatment of things like age spots and acne. The origins of Photodynamic Therapies goes back to the early 1900s, with tests performed by German physician Friedrich Meyer-Betz. Though these techniques were used for decades, the techniques were not termed as Photodynamic Therapy until the first white paper on the subject was published in 1986 by a man named John Toth. Though still not common, the therapy and treatments are gaining recognition.

The treatments begin with the placement of topical drugs known as photo-sensitizing agents, though they can also be injected, depending on the treatment type. These agents absorb light at deep levels of penetration, feature selective tissue display and have a high yield of reactive oxygen species. When the light is applied it reacts with the drug which has been absorbed by the cancerous cells (or affected cells). This in-turn forms a new chemical which kills cancer cells; it also serves to stimulate the immune system in to fighting the cancer and destroying affected blood cells.

Some of the benefits of Photodynamic Therapy are:
More cost-effective than most cancer treatment
Precision targeting
Less invasive than surgery
Lack of long-term side effects
Allows for repeated treatment in same area
Usually on an outpatient basis / Treatments are short
Lack of scarring after healing

Photodynamic Therapy Treatment Portland

PDT is seeing increasing use in Portland Dermatology offices. PDT is the therapy for those seeking alternative treatments for carcinoma, keratoses, and other skin conditions. Currently, it is used for, or being tested for use in treating these skin ailments:

Viral Warts
Basal Cell Carcinoma (Skin Cancer)
Psoriasis
Acne Vulgaris
Actinic Keratoses
Solar Keratoses
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Skin Cancer/Bowen's Disease)
Kaposi Sarcoma

Photodynamic Therapy in Portland, Oregon is being used in new and innovative ways to help you treat various skin conditions that previously had few treatment options available. The treatments are starting to become mainstream. As they become more common you will find that the they will start to be more well covered by health care programs and possibly even Medicare. When seeking Photodynamic Therapy treatment in Portland, be sure to talk with your dermatologist and your health care coverage company in order to determine if and then, how much can be covered towards your medical expenses.
Portland Photodynamic Therapy is a helpful service, treating skin cancers and various skin-related ailments. It produces measurable and visible results and patients swear by it. If you believe that your skin condition can be treated by a Portland Photodynamic Therapy specialist, or you have been recommended for Photodynamic Therapy skin treatments in the Portland-area, do your research first into the techniques and then the dermatologists that can perform them. Most board certified dermatologists are able to perform Portland Photodynamic Therapy procedures.

Was this helpful? 0 0 Comments

You're reading What exactly is Photodynamic Therapy and Treatment?.