Text by Dr Shirin Samimi-Fard (German Specialist Centre Carvoeiro)
We are glad are to offer our patients from now on, in our German Specialist Centre Carvoeiro, the new Artificial Daylight Photodynamic Therapy (ADL-PDT).
The innovative ADL-PDT, by far, is the most effective treatment method for mild to moderate actinic keratoses, for flat/ superficial basal cell carcinomas (max 2 mm depth of penetration) and intraepidermal carcinoma in situ (Morbus Bowen). As actinic keratoses can be described as a ‘chronical disease’, our patients have to undergo regularly this treatment therapy. The huge benefit of the new innovative ADL-PDT is that the exposure is almost painless, so our patients are willing and really open to show up again. The former first generation of PDT (traditional red-light PDT) was quite painful, with the result, that many patients did not repeat the treatment.
What is Actinic Keratosis (AK)?
Actinic means caused by radiation and thus indicates the cause of the disease. An AK is a chronic damage to the cornified epidermis caused by sunlight, in which excessive cell growth takes place. This occurs when certain cells there, the so-called keratinocytes, change genetically due to long-term exposure to UV rays and grow uncontrollably.
Why is it so important to treat an AK?
AK’s are an early form of non-melanoma skin cancer. When your dermatologist has diagnosed an AK on your skin, you should start your therapy as soon as possible, in order to prevent the development of a so-called squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This second most common type of a malignant skin tumour can have life-threatening consequences.
The actinic keratoses are the main cause for the development of a squamous cell carcinoma. The progression from AKs to a SCC takes an average of two years. What is really important to know is that a grade one AK can directly develop into SCC. For this reason, the actinic keratoses are classified by the dermatological societies, as a tumour disease requiring treatment. Therefore, a consistent treatment is urgently recommended.
Which treatment therapy is the absolute gold standard in treating AK’s really successfully?
The innovative Artificial Daylight PDT is currently the overall gold standard in treating AK’s really successfully. Especially when our patients are suffering from field cancerization or premalignant field defect. The major advantage of the ADL-PDT is that the treatment is always delivering reproducible and predictable results, by treating effectively the visible and invisible unhealthy skin lesions.
Summary: What are the benefits of the new ADL-PDT?
- Almost painless exposure and highly effective.
- The ADL-PDT can be performed the whole year, at any time in a controlled manner.
- Very large treatment areas can be covered in one session.
- No additional cooling is necessary.
For further detailed information, we are, of course, at your disposal at the German Specialist Centre Carvoeiro in the Algarve. Our dermatologist, Dr Shirin Samimi-Fard, has been specially trained in this effective treatment method through training and further education.
(+351) 925 100 118
(chamada para a rede fixa nacional / call to the national landline)
info@dfz-carvoeiro.com | samimi_fard@yahoo.de
www.deutsches-facharztzentrum-carvoeiro.com
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