Question 1

can photodynamic therapy treat basal cell cancer?

Accepted Answer

No: Yes pdt could treat superficial basal cell carcinoma but it is not adequate for a deeper or most basal cell carcinomas.

Question 2

can photodynamic therapy be used on basal cell cancer?

Accepted Answer

PDT uses: A porphyrrin systemically, and there is light sensitivity for days to weeks, and then light. To my knowledge, not approved, but it could work at higher cost and toxicity than dermatolgic surgery or radiotherapy. I'd have XRT if i had one, many get moh's, others go to plastic surgeons. Do we need a new high cost way to do this? I don't think so.

Question 3

is photodynamic therapy effective in treating basal cell cancer?

Accepted Answer

While theoretically : It could be very useful, I do not know if trials have been done.  Moh's surgeons from derm dominate this area, it used to be that radiotherapy was used. The Photofrin (dihematoporphyrin ether) concentrates in normal skin.  It makes sense but I do not know the data for skin.

Question 4

how effective is photodynamic therapy for treating basal cell cancer?

Accepted Answer

Rarely used: Since most basal cell tumors grow locally and rarely if ever metastasize the best approach is to remove locally by resection.  If lesion small and superficial EFUDEX (fluorouracil) cream applied locally will remove lesion.  If more advanced, MOHs paste used.  Photodynamic therapy  best used in area where local treatment cant be applied.

Question 5

can basal cell cancer be the same color as skin?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: There is a difference in color. Between the basal cell and skin but part of the basal cell may not be readily noticeable until a biopsy and be the same colr as the skin.

Question 6

can basal cell cancer increase my risk of melanoma?

Accepted Answer

Not per se: Both cancers are cause by exposure to uv light. Basal cell cancer by itself does not increase the risk of melanoma.

Question 7

can you get basal cell cancer in lung?

Accepted Answer

Rare: Rare basal cell carcinomas can extend deep into the skin or can spread. This is extremely rare.

Question 8

dose basal cell cancer increase my risk for melanoma?

Accepted Answer

Sightly: Both are related to sun exposure. However because you have had a basal cell carcinoma the incidence of melanoma is small. You should be screened regulary for new skin cancers of all types.

Question 9

can basal cell cancer or carcinoma be mistaken for a pimple?

Accepted Answer

It can: Most basal cell cancers can be identified visually by a well trained doctor, but a dermatologist and biopsy ultimately may b required to diagnose a skin cancer.  A primary care doctor may be able to do a small shave biopsy in the office or recognize it in office. But dermatologist and biopsy is gold standard.

Question 10

how effective is fluorouracil (efudex) for treating basal cell cancer?

Accepted Answer

Very: The majority of small and even intermediate  basal cell cancers can be cured by applying EFUDEX (fluorouracil). The resulting erythema is secondary to destruction of local suppressor cells in the tumor field and influx of effector cells to destroy the tumor.  The EFUDEX (fluorouracil) is applied locally for 10 days followed by 10 days of A&amp;D ointment May repeat if needed.

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Can photodynamic therapy treat basal cell cancer

A member asked:

Can photodynamic therapy treat basal cell cancer?

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Can photodynamic therapy be used on basal cell cancer?

A member asked:

Is photodynamic therapy effective in treating basal cell cancer?

A member asked:

How effective is photodynamic therapy for treating basal cell cancer?

A member asked:

Can basal cell cancer be the same color as skin?

A member asked:

Can basal cell cancer increase my risk of melanoma?

A member asked:

Can you get basal cell cancer in lung?

A member asked:

Dose basal cell cancer increase my risk for melanoma?

A member asked:

Can basal cell cancer or carcinoma be mistaken for a pimple?

A member asked:

How effective is fluorouracil (efudex) for treating basal cell cancer?

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