Photodynamic treatment

The cost of this procedure depends on your individual circumstances. At the time of your appointment your consultant will discuss all options with you and ensure all your questions are answered.

Our fixed-price packages include the cost of your surgery and all appropriate aftercare appointments. However, any pre-surgery diagnostic tests and your consultant’s outpatient appointment consultation fee are charged separately.

Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you.

Photodynamic treatment works by using a drug called a photosensitiser, or photosensitising agent, to make your cells more sensitive to light. The treated area is then exposed to a specific type of bright light, such as a laser light. This light reacts with the photosensitiser and produces a type of oxygen called an oxygen radical that destroys abnormal cells and allows new, healthy cells to grow.

Photodynamic therapy may also help to shrink or destroy tumours by damaging blood vessels to starve the cancer of nutrients and triggering your immune system to attack the cancerous cells.

Photodynamic treatment is a cancer treatment that can be used to treat certain precancers and cancers, including:

• Superficial and nodular basal cell carcinomas – a type of non-melanoma skin cancer
• Barrett's oesophagus – changes in the cells that line your oesophagus (food pipe) that may become cancerous if left untreated
• Actinic keratoses (solar keratosis) –  dry, scaly, sun-damaged patches of skin that could become cancerous if not treated
• Bowen's disease  (squamous cell carcinoma in situ) – a very early form of skin cancer
• Oesophageal cancer and lung cancer – photodynamic treatment can cure some early-stage cancers or help relieve symptoms in more advanced cases

Photodynamic therapy has several benefits over traditional cancer treatments such as surgery, including:

• Damage to healthy cells is limited as photosensitisers usually accumulate in abnormal cells and the light is targeted directly at them
• It is minimally invasive, meaning no incisions are made during the procedure
• It has a faster recovery time than alternatives like surgery
• There is minimal scarring
• There are no known long-term side effects when administered correctly
• It is performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning no hospital stay is required
• The treatment can be repeated if needed

At your first consultation, you will be seen by a consultant dermatologist, a doctor specialising in conditions affecting the skin.

Your consultant will ask you about your symptoms, general health, medical history and any medications you are taking. They will perform a physical examination of your skin.

Why is this first consultation so important?

At Circle Health Group, your first appointment is very important as it's where you meet your consultant, the doctor responsible for your care. Your consultant will spend time getting to know you, discuss your expectations for treatment and encourage you to ask any questions you may have. It is important to us that you are as well-informed and comfortable as possible during your time with us, so please discuss any questions or concerns with your consultant during your appointment.

At the end of your appointment, your consultant will decide if photodynamic treatment is a suitable procedure for you, based on your diagnosis and general health.

They will explain the procedure to you, including how to prepare for your treatment, what happens during the procedure and what to expect afterwards.

Your consultant will explain everything you need to do to prepare for your photodynamic treatment. If there's anything you're not sure about, or if you have any questions about how to prepare for your treatment, speak to your consultant or call the hospital for advice.

Before your photodynamic treatment, tell your consultant about any medical conditions or allergies you have and any medication, including over-the-counter medicines you are taking. Your consultant may tell you to stop taking some medications that can affect the way photodynamic treatment works for a few days before your appointment.

On the day of your appointment, please ensure your skin is clean and free from any lotions, creams or make-up.

Photodynamic treatment is performed as a day case, meaning you'll be able to go home after your procedure. Local anaesthetic isn't usually needed for the procedure.

Before your photodynamic treatment: 

• The area to be treated is cleaned and any scabs, crusts or scales are removed
• A light-sensitising cream is applied to the skin cancer and surrounding skin and a dressing is applied to prevent the cream from rubbing off
• You will need to wait for around three hours to allow your skin to fully absorb the cream

During your photodynamic treatment:

• The area to be treated is cleaned
• You'll be given special glasses to protect your eyes from the light during the treatment
• Your consultant will shine a special type of light directly onto the affected part of your body for 8-15 minutes to activate the cream and destroy abnormal cells
• You may feel a stinging or burning sensation during your photodynamic treatment. If you feel pain or discomfort, let your consultant know and they can give you painkillers, or local anaesthetic to make you more comfortable.
• When your photodynamic treatment is finished, your consultant will apply a dressing over the area to keep it covered and protect it from light. The dressing will remain in place for up to 48 hours after your treatment.

In many cases a single photodynamic treatment session is sufficient, but for some skin cancers, you may need to have further treatments.

After your photodynamic treatment, you'll have a dressing in place which will need to stay on for up to 48 hours. Keep the dressing dry and take care not to knock or bump the area. Your consultant may apply a steroid cream to help reduce itching and inflammation.

You may experience localised redness, swelling and mild pain or discomfort for a few days following photodynamic treatment. Take paracetamol if needed but avoid ibuprofen as it suppresses the “inflammatory response” triggered by photodynamic treatment.

Once the dressing is removed, you can wash, bathe or shower as normal. Avoid rubbing the treated area and gently pat dry with a clean towel.

A scab will form over the treated area within a few days. This will heal in a few weeks, depending on which part of your body was treated.

Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and bright indoor light for six weeks after your photodynamic treatment. Some light-sensitive drugs used during your treatment make your skin and eyes more sensitive to light and exposure to light during this time can cause your skin to become red and sore. If you do go out in the sun, apply sunscreen with an SPF 30 or above and wear clothes that protect your skin and a wide-brimmed hat that covers your face, neck and ears.

How many nights will I need to stay in hospital?

Photodynamic treatment is performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you'll be able to go home the same day.

Will I be able to drive home?

As long as you feel well enough and can safely control your vehicle, you can drive straight away after your photodynamic treatment. 

Sunlight can penetrate through car windows and reflect off the dashboard which may activate the light-sensitising drugs used during the procedure, so use a high-factor sunscreen (SPF 30 or above) and cover up with clothing and a wide-brimmed hat if you drive after your photodynamic treatment.

How soon can I go back to work?

Depending on the type of job you do, you may feel well enough to go back to work right away after photodynamic treatment. Take care to protect your skin from the sun and not to dislodge your dressing or knock the treated area.

How soon can I drive?

As long as you protect your skin from sunlight, you can drive as soon as you feel well enough after photodynamic treatment.

When will I be back to normal?

Depending on the part of your body that was treated, you can expect to make a full recovery within two to six weeks of photodynamic treatment.  

Photodynamic treatment is a safe and effective procedure with no known serious complications, however, localised side effects may occur on the treated area and surrounding skin. Side effects normally settle down within a few weeks.

These may include:

• Swelling 
• Redness 
• Itching, stinging or burning
• Oozing 
• The formation of scales, crusts or blisters 
• Skin discoloration 
• Hair loss - this is usually temporary but in some cases, may be permanent 
• Skin infections

At Circle Health Group, we have the experience and expertise to ensure the best possible care and outcome for our patients. As a patient with Circle Health Group, you can expect the highest standards of care including:

• Flexible appointment times and locations that are convenient for you
• The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs
• Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
• Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
• Private ensuite rooms as standard
• A range of delicious healthy meals
• Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
• Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care

If you would like to see a consultant or learn more about photodynamic treatment, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly on 0808 189 5499.

Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in September 2024. Next review due September 2027.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) for skin cancer Cancer Research UK

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) NHS

Photodynamic Therapy to Treat Cancer National Cancer Institute

Getting Photodynamic Therapy American Cancer Society