Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment that uses a medication, called a photo-sensitizer, and a particular type of light. When photo-sensitizers are exposed to a particular wavelength of light, they produce a form of fresh air that destroys nearby tissues. Thus, doctors use specific photo-sensitizers and wavelengths of light to treat affected areas and different parts of the body with PDT.

2. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a relatively new type of
treatment. It uses a drug and a special type of light.
The light could be a laser or another type of light.
The drug is a chemical that makes the skin cells sensitive to light.
This type of drug is called a photosensitising agent.
The chemical can be introduced by injecting a drug into the
bloodstream or it can be applied to the skin in a cream.
The drug is absorbed by the body’s cells and makes them sensitive
to light.When the area to be treated is exposed to the light the
cancer cells are destroyed.

3. PDT is best used in cases
where you would need a lot of
surgery. So it is mostly used
for large skin cancers that
are not too deep or where
there are several cancers in
an area.
In trials, the appearance of
the treated area after PDT is
better than after surgery.
PDT is not suitable for deep
basal cell cancers or
squamous cell skin cancers
because the light cannot
penetrate far enough into the
skin.

5. Pros and cons of PDT :
 It has no long-term side effects
when used properly.
 It is less invasive than surgery
 It usually takes only a short time
and is most often done as an
outpatient.
 It can be targeted very precisely.
 Unlike radiation, PDT can be
repeated many times at the
same site if needed.
 There is little or no scarring after
the site heals.
 It often costs less than other
cancer treatments.