Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a highly effective non-surgical treatment for certain types of pre-cancerous lesions as well as non-melanoma skin cancers.

By Andrew Hatfield
Updated: 12th June 2023

Medically reviewed by
Professor Kayvan Shokrollahi

The aim of photodynamic therapy (PDT) is to cure the pre-cancerous lesions and also minimise any cosmetic problems or scarring which would be associated with surgery. This is because surgery in cosmetically sensitive areas such as the face or nose can leave significant scars including the requirement for skin grafts or reconstructive surgery.

What conditions can be treated by photodynamic therapy?

Conditions treated by photodynamic therapy include:

What conditions are not suitable for treatment with photodynamic therapy?

This treatment is not appropriate for melanoma skin cancers (abnormal moles) or Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). For information about melanoma skin cancers, or if you are concerned about your skin you should speak to your GP.

Non-Surgical Alternative

How does photodynamic therapy work?

PDT uses a light-sensitive drug in the form of a cream which is applied directly to the patient’s skin.

This light sensitive drug is attracted to the abnormal cancer cells, and when exposed to a particular type of light kills off only the abnormal cells.

What benefits are there to using photodynamic therapy?

The benefits of using photodynamic therapy include:

Healthy cells are unaffected
Replenishes surrounding skin and sun damage
Avoids surgery and surgical scars
Superior cosmetic results
High cure rates

We have a multidisciplinary team of Consultant Dermatologists, Consultant Plastic Surgeons and Reconstructive Surgeons, who offer a wide range of treatments for a number of skin lesions and pre-cancerous lesions as well as non-melanoma skin cancers.

Depending on the type, size and location of the lesion you may be suitable to have Photodynamic therapy or alternatively need to have it surgically removed in clinic or theatre. You will need an appointment with one of our Consultants to discuss which type of treatment is best for you.

Our laser skin clinic is delivered by Professor Kayvan Shokrollahi, who has a clinical interest in the aesthetic removal of skin lesions and non-melanoma skin cancers.

The guide price provided on this page is for the Photodynamic therapy. Photodynamic Therapy may require up to two sessions depending on the size, and location of the lesion. Occasionally a combination of laser treatment as well as PDT may be more clinically appropriate when only one session is required.

Privately you will benefit from no waiting lists or long delays for Photodynamic Therapy at Fairfield Independent Hospital.

We work with all known insurance companies, and offer competitive self-pay prices if you do not have health insurance.

Before considering surgery, it is important to be aware that all surgical procedures carry a certain amount of risk and it is important that you understand the risks involved with Photodynamic Therapy.

Key facts about the procedure

Why choose us:

Consultant level care every time
Flexible appointments to suit you
No waiting lists or long delays

Comprehensive service

We have a multidisciplinary team of Dermatologists, Consultant Plastic Surgeons and Reconstructive Surgeons, who provide a comprehensive service for patients. They offer non-surgical treatments, treatments for a number of skin lesions, pre-cancerous lesions and also treatments for non-melanoma skin cancers including Basal Cell Carcinomas.

You will be offered an appointment at the earliest convenient date for you.

During your initial consultation you will be seen by a consultant, who is specifically trained and has experience of performing Photodynamic Therapy. You will be able to explain your medical history and any concerns you might have with the surgeon who would be performing the photodynamic therapy.

Your consultant will discuss with you if they feel any further diagnostic tests such as histology or blood tests are needed. They may also suggest other treatment pathways to consider such as surgical excision.

We work with all known insurance companies, and offer competitive self-pay prices if you do not have health insurance.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) guide price per session

Patient Pathway	Initial Consultation	Diagnostic Investigations	Main Treatment	Post-Discharge Care	Total
Hospital fees	Included	(If required, +£600 for Biopsy + Histology)	£800	Included	£800
Consultant fees	£190	Included	Included	1 follow up consultation included	£190
Guide Price	£190	£0	£800	£0	£990

Patient Pathway	Hospital fees	Consultant fees
Initial Consultation	Included	£190
Diagnostic Investigations	(If required, +£600 for Biopsy + Histology)	Included
Main Treatment	£800	Included
Post-Discharge Care	Included	1 follow up consultation included
Sub Totals	£800	£190
Total Guide Price		£990

The guide price may vary depending on:

Which consultant you choose
Your medical history
The type of diagnostic investigation your consultant advises is best for you
If you have had a recent diagnostic investigation and we can access it
The type of anaesthetic your consultant advises is best for you
The type of implant, drug or the actual procedure you choose or your consultant advises is best for you
The guide prices correct as at the 1 of January, 2016

Following your consultation you will be made clear of the costs to you before you go ahead with your treatment.

What's included:

The initial consultation guide price covers the cost of your initial appointment with your consultant. The consultation fee is due in full on the day of the appointment.

The diagnostic investigations guide price covers the approximate cost of any tests you may require to assist the consultant with a diagnosis, such as histology and/or blood tests. Any associated costs will be made clear to you before you proceed with any scan or test.

The Main Treatment guide price covers your stay in hospital as long as it is clinically necessary. This guide price includes all pre-operative tests that the Hospital requires to ensure you are fit for surgery, the fees for your consultant and anaesthetist to perform the procedure, and any nursing care, medication and food after. However, if your consultant advises that you need a different prosthesis, or you request a non standard item, then the guide price for your treatment will alter. This will be made clear to you before you go ahead with your treatment and will become the ‘fixed price’. The payment for the main treatment is due in full, five days prior to your admission date.

Post discharge care following your discharge from Hospital is included in your fixed price care package. This price includes a single post-op consultant consultation and physiotherapy visits (up to the number stated), removal of any stitches, change of dressings and any medication you need to take home with you. The main treatment price also includes the cost of treating any complications at the Hospital for 365 days following the date of your procedure where those complications arise directly out of the treatment you receive as part of your treatment package and are identified within 365 days of your discharge from Hospital, provided that you have followed the advice of your Consultants and any other medical professionals involved in your care following the procedure. This includes any consultations, outpatient, day-care and inpatient treatment that the Consultant says you need and which the Hospital agrees to provide.

For more information visit paying for your own treatment or contact our business office on 01744 746 407 or enquiries@fairfield.org.uk

About your recovery:

What happens after photodynamic therapy?

You should be able to go home the same day.

Before the final stage of photodynamic therapy you will need to come into hospital three hours before the treatment to allow the cream to be absorbed into the abnormal cells.

Patients can either wait in one of our private rooms, or choose to go home and return for the rest of the treatment.

Your surgeon will ask you to return a few days following your lesion removal to inspect the wound.

It is important that you follow the advice the hospital and the consultant provides you.

The surgeon will tell you when you can return to normal activities.

The information on this page is for reference only and has been reviewed by appropriate medical or clinical professionals. The information contained on this page should not be a substitute for professional medical advice nor is it intended to be for medical diagnosis or treatment.

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