Understanding PDT: How Photodynamic Therapy Prevents Recurring Skin Cancers

Dealing with recurring skin damage might feel like an endless battle over the years, as you constantly worry that every new spot could be cancerous. Fortunately, modern dermatology offers advanced, non-invasive options to address these issues before they escalate. 

At Goodman Dermatology and Mohs Surgery, Dr. Seth Goodman and our team provide specialized care to protect your skin. We serve patients across Arizona with convenient offices in Sun City West, Sun City, and Wickenburg, Arizona, offering treatments like photodynamic therapy to target precancers and prevent recurring skin cancer. Here’s what you need to know about this procedure.

What is photodynamic therapy? 

Photodynamic therapy, often called PDT, is an outpatient procedure that uses a special light-activated medication to destroy abnormal cells. Applying this targeted therapy directly to sun-damaged skin effectively destroys early precancerous cells, preventing them from developing into more dangerous skin cancers.

This treatment is highly selective, meaning it focuses on the damaged areas while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue. It allows us to treat an entire area, such as the face or scalp, all at once. It's an excellent option for patients who have widespread sun damage and want to avoid more invasive surgical procedures. 

How PDT prevents recurring skin cancers 

PDT works by clearing out the invisible, precancerous lesions that are actively developing beneath the surface of your skin. By treating these areas early, we can stop the cycle of recurring skin cancers before they have a chance to grow. This proactive approach helps keep your skin healthier and reduces the need for repeated surgical interventions.

However, PDT isn't a cure-all for every type of growth. The National Cancer Institute (2025) notes that because the required light only penetrates about one centimeter into tissue, photodynamic therapy is strictly limited to treating surface-level tumors and precancers. For deeper or more aggressive cancers, we may recommend other options like Mohs surgery. 

What to expect during and after your treatment 

During the procedure, we apply a topical photosensitizing agent to your skin, which is absorbed by the abnormal cells. We then expose the area to a specific wavelength of light, which activates the drug and destroys the targeted cells.

There's a common myth that patients require no special recovery precautions after undergoing photodynamic therapy. In reality, because the photosensitizing drug remains active in your system, you'll need to strictly avoid direct sun exposure for up to six weeks to prevent severe sunburns.

Protecting your skin from recurring cancers requires a proactive approach and the right treatment plan. If you have a history of sun damage or precancerous spots, our team is here to help you find the best path forward. To learn more about how we can help protect your skin, schedule a visit with us today.