The Benefits and Side Effects of Photodynamic Therapy for Cysts

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) works by using photosensitizing agents--drugs which are activated only by certain types of light, such as red and blue lights. Dermatologists and other medical professionals use the procedure to treat acne cysts, skin conditions and cancers. Specific conditions that PDT improves include mild to severe cystic acne, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and lesions and growths resulting from solar kerotosis. Photodynamic therapy can also be used to treat some cancers of the lung, esophagus, vagina and cervix. While PDT has no long-term side effects if used properly, according to the American Cancer Society, short-term side effects are common.

Kills Cysts and Bad Cells

• PDT directly kills cysts resulting from acne and cancer conditions and shrinks tumors, leading to the relieving of symptoms and condition remissions. It works in one of three major ways to treat cystic acne, kill bad cells and shrink tumors. First, the light which is exposed to the photosensitizing agent within the tumor or cystic acne area--usually after 24 to 72 hours of a PDT injection--causes bad and rapidly-growing cells to be destroyed from the oxygen produced. Second, PDT can essentially suffocate the tumor by destroying the blood vessel--which carries nutrients--within the tumor. Third, a PDT treatment may activate the immune system, which may attack the tumor itself.

Alternative Solution

• Doctors use photodynamic therapy as an alternative solution for patients who otherwise cannot undergo other treatments, such as surgery or radiation therapy. In some cases, the therapy also performs better than other treatments. For example, doctors use laser therapy to treat esophageal cancer, which may not work sufficiently for everyone. In these instances, PDT acts as an alternative solution to treat the problem and relieve symptoms. In addition, photdynamic therapy provides a less-invasive treatment over surgical procedures according to the American Cancer Society. Doctors can use PDT repeatedly on the same cyst, tumor or cancer site--unlike some radiation techniques.

Improved Cosmetic Outcomes

• Photodynamic therapy improves cosmetic outcomes and facial appearances for those being treated for mild to severe cystic acne compared with other conventional treatments. For example, PDT treatments improve the entire facial area being treated--leaving a smoother skin tone--instead of only spot-treating acne problems as is the case with surgical procedures and cryotherapy. PDT leaves minimal scarring and, in some cases, may remove acne scars that were already present. This therapy also reduces oiliness of the skin and pore sizes.

Photosensitivity Reactions

• Patients experience photosensitivity reactions during the time of their treatment with PDT. Sensitivity to light--the primary side effect of PDT--can last up to three months in some patients. When being treated for cystic acne and other acne problems, side effects generally last about a week and then lessen. Photosensitivity reactions include irritation and sensitivity of both the skin and eyes. When exposed to sunlight--even for only a few minutes--skin can become blistered, sunburned and swollen. Other reactions include redness, peeling, crusting and itchiness. Temporary swelling of the lips and around the eyes also occurs as a side effect of PDT. The specific photosensitivity reactions that a patient experiences may be influenced by the particular photosensitizing drug that was used for treatment.

Other Side Effects

• Patients experience other side effects depending on the particular condition which PDT is treating. For example, treating acne cysts and conditions with PDT can lead to temporary discoloration of the skin, especially in darker-colored liver spot areas. Some patients experience trouble swallowing--as a result of swelling--if the esophagus was treated with PTD. Other side effects of treating the esophagus with PTD include flu-like symptoms such as nausea, fever and vomiting as well as headaches and hiccups. When using PTD to treat lung cancers, patients may experience difficulty breathing, develop a fever or bronchitis after treatment.