How Painful is Photodynamic Therapy?

Some cancers, precancerous conditions, and certain eye and skin conditions can be treated with the help of photodynamic therapy.  It combines light-sensitive drugs with light to destroy abnormal cells. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) can be a primary treatment or used alongside other therapies like surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy.

Learn when a professional can recommend PTD and how painful the procedure can be. Also, do visit for your Regular Skin Examinations to avoid further complications.

When does a Healthcare Professional advise PTD?

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) may be suggested by a healthcare professional for various conditions, particularly certain types of cancer and skin conditions.

PDT is a light-based treatment that uses a photosensitising drug and light to destroy abnormal cells. It is often considered when other treatments like surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy are not suitable or when a less invasive approach is desired. Here are the reasons a healthcare provider might suggest getting PDT:

• PDT is used to treat various cancers, including those of the skin, lung, oesophagus, bladder, and cervix. Some experts can also suggest for other cancers like breast, prostate, and pancreatic.
• It can be effective for treating conditions like actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma, as well as other skin issues like acne and psoriasis.
• It is also used for conditions like Barrett’s oesophagus, age-related macular degeneration, and certain infections.
• It is often chosen when a less invasive treatment is preferred over surgery or radiation therapy.

Although there are various conditions it can treat, it is more effective for certain types and stages of cancer and other issues. It may be chosen when other treatments are not desired. Also, it can be especially useful for treating superficial skin cancers or lesions in hard-to-reach areas.

How Painful PDT Can Be?

Individuals have described the pain as a burning or stinging sensation that can start during or shortly after the light application and may intensify in the first few minutes of treatment before potentially decreasing. While some individuals experience only mild to moderate discomfort, some might experience a bit more of it depending on some factors.

It doesn’t matter how you treat the area after getting your procedure done because cooling methods, anaesthesia and pain medications can help you manage pain at certain points. While PDT is generally considered safe, it’s important to be aware of the potential for pain and take necessary precautions.

Factors influencing pain in PDT:

The pain intensity is influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic factors, like the lesion’s size, type, and location, as well as extrinsic factors, such as the photosensitising agent, light source, and fluence rate, all play a role in determining the intensity of pain experienced during PDT. Here is more information:

• Intrinsic factors include lesion size, as larger treatment areas tend to cause more pain. Lesion type includes some lesions, like actinic keratoses (AK), that are reported to be more painful than others, like basal cell carcinomas (BCC). Areas with more nerve endings, such as the face, hands, and perineal regions, tend to cause slightly more discomfort.
• Coming to extrinsic factors: photosensitising agent, light source and fluence rate. Different agents, such as 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and methyl aminolevulinate (MAL), can have varying effects on pain. The type of light source used can impact pain levels. Higher fluence rates generally lead to more discomfort.
• Individual factors like age, gender and psychological state can influence how an individual perceives and reports pain.
• The specific PDT protocol used, including the application time of the photosensitizer and the light dose, can affect pain.

Let us help to reduce the pain with the following tips:

• For the first 48 hours, protect yourself from direct sunlight, bright indoor lights and even reflected light. You need to apply cold compresses or ice packs to reduce swelling and discomfort. Over-the-counter medications, prescribed by healthcare providers, can help you manage pain and inflammation.
• After the first 48 hours, continue sun protection. Keep the area moisturised to help with peeling and dryness. You may need to contact your healthcare advisor if you experience severe discomfort, excessive redness, pus or fever.
• Some individuals experience slightly more discomfort than others; in that case, a healthcare professional can help you reduce the pain and inflammation. Following an expert’s advice will always help manage discomfort.

Mental distraction, like listening to music, reading books or hobbies like that, can help distract the mind and pass the time. You can visit for regular skin examinations in case of any discomfort or symptoms like fever or excessive redness.