What are the side effects of PDT?
Although there are side effects they are usually short term. Itching is sometimes experienced during light treatment, Sensitivity to sunlight lasts only a day or two. Rarely nausea and transient diarrhea are noted. The following are not really side effects but rather the natural response of the body to the breakdown of cancer tumors and the elimination of waste water. When a tumor is near the skin surface it may “slough off,” breaking through the skin as dead cells are eliminated. This may take some time to complete with accompanying discomfort from the wound, but the skin will heal over leaving what most patients feel is cosmetically acceptable. As the diseased tissue breaks down, it creates inflammation which can cause discomfort. Fortunately any discomfort experienced with PDT is minimal to moderate and can be easily controlled with a mild pain killer. The therapeutic process of PDT can last for 3 to 4 months and tiredness may be experienced as the body heals itself.
