Why Choose Blue Light Treatment To Eradicate Precancer?
Most people are aware of the dangers of skin cancer, but you may not know a lot about precancer. Precancer, as the name suggests, is often a precursor to full-blown cancer. Precancerous cells are skin cells that have developed abnormally. If left untreated, it's likely that precancer will mutate further into skin cancer, which may then metastasize into your lymph nodes.
It's in your best interest to have precancer diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Your doctor may suggest blue light treatment to remove actinic keratosis, a particularly worrying type of precancer. Blue light treatment can effectively eradicate actinic keratosis within a few treatments. Here are three benefits of choosing blue light treatment, also known as photodynamic light therapy.
1. It does not leave a scar.
Surgical excision is the typical method of dealing with skin cancer. During this procedure, a dermatologist numbs your skin with an injection before using a scalpel or shaver to cut the cancer out of your body. Surgical excision is effective, but it usually leaves at least a small scar. Blue light treatment, on the other hand, does not leave a scar. During blue light treatment, your skin is not broken. The efficacy of blue light treatment relies on your body's natural processes, which means it's extremely noninvasive.
2. It is fast.
Blue light treatment can be quickly performed. Some treatments take only 15 minutes, although the actual length of your procedure will vary depending on the size of the area to be treated. Photosensitizing drugs are used in conjunction with blue light in order to effectively eradicate precancerous cells. These drugs can be topically applied by you or your doctor. If your doctor decides the photosensitizing ointment needs extra time to work, you will be instructed to put it on at home a few hours before your treatment. This prep work will allow you to get in and out of the dermatologist's office faster.
3. It offers minimal side effects.
You shouldn't feel any pain during blue light therapy. Some people experience lingering effects in the days following their photodynamic light therapy, but these symptoms should not be particularly bothersome. Your skin may peel in a way reminiscent of a sunburn, and the treatment site may feel a little tender for a short while. You can mitigate most of the side effects by staying out of the sun until the photosensitization wears off. Ibuprofen and cold compresses can alleviate your discomfort in the meantime.
To learn more, contact a doctor that offers blue light treatments.
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