Rational indications and realistic possibilities of topical photodynamic therapy for basal cell carcinoma
Abstract
Superficial basal cell carcinoma is not only the most common malignant neoplasm but its incidence is rising, as human age prolongs as well as total sun exposure. Our aim must be not only the elimination of the neoplasm, which was often downplayed in the past, but minimal damage to the patient and reasonable economic cost, since due to the frequency of this disease it spent considerable funds.
Photodynamic therapy is now considered by many authors as the effective treatment alternative for the superficial form of the disease because of the superior esthetic results, excellent performance and reasonable cost of which is constantly decreasing. However, new opportunities arise for treatment even in the nodular form.
On the contrary, we must be sure that this does not treat invasive forms where our chances of success are minimal. Photodynamic therapy is one of the key basal cell therapies, but we must be aware of its limits and indicated it rationally.
Moreover, even conventional surgical therapy can benefit from the diagnostic possibilities of the photodynamic therapy