Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. The two types of skin cancer are melanoma and non-melanoma. A good treatment for both types is photodynamic therapy. If you suspect that you are showing symptoms of skin cancer Dermatology in St. Paul, MN can help.
Melanoma starts in the pigment cells of the skin that protect the deeper layers. It is the most dangerous form of skin cancer and causes the greatest numbers of deaths. If caught early before spreading to other parts of the body, it is completely curable. Non-melanoma typically effects skin that is most often exposed to the sun such as the lips, face, back of the hands, neck, and ears. It can be found is the squamous and basal cells, but it is uncommon for it to spread to other body parts.
Academic Dermatology in St. Paul, MN offers photodynamic therapy to treat both types of skin cancer. This treatment utilizes both a photosensitizing drug or agent and a light source, which activates it, to kill cancer cells. Unhealthy cancer cells absorb this agent, while healthy cells do not making an optimal treatment for this disease. It is left on the skin from minutes to hours before the second part of the treatment takes place. Then a concentrated source of light is used to create a chemical reaction that kills the cancer cells. This treatment is typically not used for deep tissue cancers or cancer that has spread. This due to the fact that the light cannot penetrate into deep layers of tissue or into the centre of large tumors. Photodynamic therapy can also be used to treat severe acne, reduce the size of pores, decrease fine lines and wrinkles, and lessen skin spots.
After this procedure your skin will need time to heal, which will require time off of work or school. Some patients choose a mild form of this treatment to decrease recovery time. However, the process will need to be repeated numerous times for best results. Following this treatment, you can expect mild skin irritation, burning, swelling, peeling, or redness of the treated area. A visit to Dermatology in St. Paul, MN can save your life if you are showing early signs of skin cancer.
