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What Is Photodynamic Therapy? (And How It May Literally Save Your Face)

March 30, 2022 by Erin Porter Leave a Comment

Have you had skin cancer or know of someone who has?  Then you may want to learn more about Photodynamic therapy (PDT).   I wish I had learned about PDT sooner.  Although I believe my surgeon did a wonder job at the reconstruction of my nose , I still can’t help but wonder if PDT could have saved me from the trauma of Mohs surgery and the life long scars it leaves.  Read my full story regarding Mohs surgery on my nose with photos.

photo of woman with red face due to photodynamic therapy

What Is Photodynamic Therapy (PDT?)

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a two-stage treatment that combines light energy with a drug (photosensitizer) designed to destroy cancerous and precancerous cells after light activation. Photosensitizers are activated by a specific wavelength of light energy, usually from a laser. The photosensitizer is nontoxic until it is activated by light. However, after light activation, the photosensitizer becomes toxic to the targeted tissue.”

PDT is used to treat both pre cancerous and nonmelanoma skin cancers.  Per my dermatologist Dr. Orit Markowitz, photodynamic therapy is also great for rejuvenating sun damaged skin.  A real bonus for those just trying to prevent repeat cancers from forming.

How Often Do You Need PDT?

From Dr. Markowitz’ website:  “It depends on the amount of sun damage you have,” says Dr. Markowitz. “For some, just one round of photodynamic therapy, followed by diligent SPF use, is enough. Others should come in annually. And for those with extensive sun damage and a number of skin cancer spots, I may recommend getting treated twice a year,” says Dr. Markowitz.

Being that I already had basil cell carcinoma on my nose, I have already decided I will have PDT treatment once or twice per year.  Especially to prevent cancer reoccurrence on or near my former cancer spot.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From Photodynamic Therapy?

Recovery from PDT is fast.  The treated area will look like a bad sunburn for about 5-7 days before the skin returns to normal.  If you have had mohs surgery in the past and want to possibly prevent future surgery, Photodynamic therapy may be a good choice for you.  You can simply look up dermatologists in your area that use PDT, or if you happen to be in Manhattan visit OptiSkin.

3 Days Post Mohs Surgery

Do Skin Biopsies Always Have To Involve Cutting?

The very reason I flew half way across the country to see Dr. Markowitz was to save my nose from more “cutting.”  Months earlier, before my appointment with Dr. Markowitz,  my dermatologist said she needed to take another biopsy straight down the center of my nose.  She had told me if it wasn’t cancer “I will have won the lottery.”  It turned out it was not cancer (thank God).  But I was frustrated with the process.  I was left with more scarring and indentations on my nose.  That was a turning point for me.  I decided to research other options.

It turns out Dr. Markowitz specializes in biopsies without “cutting.”  When she sees a suspicious growth warranting a biopsy, instead of a scalpel she uses something called a reflectance confocal laser-scanning microscope (RCM).  This device allows a diagnosis of a variety of skin cancers including basil cell carcinoma, squeamish cell, and melanoma.  Her motto is “Cutting Edge Without the Cutting.”

Dr. Markowitz was the recipient of 2018 Melanoma Research Humanitarian Award for her groundbreaking work in early melanoma diagnosis and significant contributions to the treatment and care of melanoma patients.

Below: Watch My Television Interview Discussing My Skin Cancer & Mohs Surgery on Know The Cause

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_ows1_IvUs&t=401s

 

Below: Read full story of Mohs surgery on my nose (and what you can expect if this happens to you)

Skin Cancer And Mohs Surgery On My Nose | What You Need To Know

UPDATE:  The second edition of my book Eat Pray Get Well – A Journey from Chronic Illness & Brokenness to Wholeness & Healing has hit shelves.  It can be found in some book stores, on my website, and Amazon.  Foreword written by Doug Kaufmann – Host of televisions Know The Cause.

Eat Pray Get Well is a story of overcoming chronic illness, a difficult childhood, and food addiction, plus exclusive interviews with Supermodel Carol Alt, renowned cardiologist Stephen Sinatra MD, Joe Cross of Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead, Doug Kaufmann host of televisions Know The Cause and more.   Also includes 55 recipes free of gluten, wheat, yeast, peanuts, refined sugar.

Filed Under: Health Tips & Information, Recipes Tagged With: basil cell carcinoma, biopsy, mohs surgery, pdt, photodynamic therapy, skin cancer

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About Me

Erin Porter taking picture of food

I have been fortunate to be featured on national Television including PBS American Health Journal, Know the Cause, CTN, ABC, NBC, CBS and more. I was sick for decades, endured many surgeries, took over 100 courses of antibiotics, and then I changed everything and everything changed. My book Eat Pray Get Well is about overcoming a tumultuous childhood, decades of chronic illness, and finding God in the process. Includes exclusive interviews with renowned Cardiologist Dr. Stephen Sinatra, Supermodel Carol Alt, Doug Kaufmann, and many more. Plus 55 gluten free recipes woven throughout. continue →

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