Photodynamic therapy of eyelid basal cell carcinoma.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Photodynamic therapy (PDT; i.e. selective destroying of malignant cells by exposing them to red light after photosensitization) has been increasingly used for non-melanoma skin cancers. Due to excellent cosmetic and functional results, especially in difficult-to-treat areas, it may offer a comprehensive alternative to previous treatment modalities.

OBJECTIVE:

A series of six patient cases was used to evaluate the efficacy of PDT in the treatment of lower eyelid basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Methods Histological confirmation of BCC, a detailed demonstration of the technique with an illustrative series of cases and a review of related literature.

RESULTS:

Six patients with lower eyelid BCC were treated with two treatment sessions of PDT within a week. Five patients had a nodular type and one patient had a superficial type of BCC. The follow-up after treatment continued for 20-36 (mean 26.5) months. No recurrences were observed during the follow-up. All the patients were satisfied with the good results and tolerated the treatment well without any harm to the eyeball or surrounding skin.

CONCLUSION:

PDT, although experimental in the eyelid area because of the small amount of data and the lack of a long-term follow-up, may be considered a promising comprehensive alternative when treating BCC in the eyelid area.

• Authors: J Kotimäki
• Journal: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV (J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol) Vol. 23 Issue 9 Pg. 1083-7 (Sep 2009) ISSN: 1468-3083 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 19470065 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Photosensitizing Agents
• methyl 5-aminolevulinate
• Aminolevulinic Acid

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Aminolevulinic Acid (administration & dosage, analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
• Carcinoma, Basal Cell (drug therapy)
• Eyelids
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Photochemotherapy (methods)
• Photosensitizing Agents (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Skin Neoplasms (drug therapy)
• Treatment Outcome