Description:
Non-melanoma skin tumours include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, Bowen's disease and actinic (or solar) keratoses.
Current treatments for basal cell carcinoma include topical chemotherapy, curettage, surgical excision, cryotherapy and radiotherapy. Squamous cell carcinoma is usually removed surgically. Actinic keratoses and Bowen's disease are usually treated with curettage, cryotherapy or topical chemotherapy.
Before photodynamic therapy (PDT), the lesion is prepared by removing overlying crust and scale. Cream containing a photosensitising agent is applied to the lesion and a margin of surrounding skin. The area is covered with a light occlusive dressing and left for a few hours. Excess cream is then removed and the lesion is illuminated by light of an appropriate wavelength to activate the photosensitiser, producing targeted tumour destruction. Occasionally, the photosensitising agent may be given intravenously. More than one lesion may be treated in a session and the treatment may be repeated.
|
