Skin Cancer Prevention

If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer, then you have had enough sun damage to develop other skin cancers on your face, scalp and neck. Given the limited amount of skin and importance of these areas, repeat surgeries increase your risk of disfiguring scars. Our goal at Healthy Skin Centre is to help you reverse your sun damage before the cells become cancerous. We can help you successfully reverse sun damage by performing a novel treatment called Photodynamic Therapy, also known as PDT. PDT is the most technologically advanced treatment to restore your skin’s health. PDT is a non-surgical treatment that destroys precancerous cells in the treatment area without leaving any scars and is only offered at a few specialized centres across Canada. Dr. Eiman Nasseri is a world-renown PDT expert and oversees all PDT treatments at Healthy Skin Centre. He is regularly invited to international conferences to teaching other physicians around the world how to use this life changing therapy to prevent skin cancer.

Who is a good candidate for PDT?

PDT is right for you if you:

• Have ever had a diagnosis of skin cancer
• Lead an active lifestyle and are outdoors often, hiking, golfing, skiing, playing tennis or gardening
• Have experienced sunburn in your past
• Have used tanning beds
• Take holidays in sunny destinations
• Spend time in or on the water (swimming, boating, fishing)

What can PDT do for your skin

• Cure Actinic Keratosis (AKs can transform into squamous cell cancer if left untreated)
• Cure small, early superficial basal cell skin cancers before they develop roots
• Improve the appearance of aged, sun damaged skin

Benefits of PDT

• Prevents skin cancer
• Works on all skin types
• Very safe with no scarring
• Performed by a medical professional in the office during a single appointment
• Quick recovery – skin heals in weeks

How does PDT for skin cancer prevention work?

An advanced, medicated cream called Metvix is applied to the skin. This cream is absorbed preferentially by abnormal and pre-cancerous cells. The cream is left in contact with the skin for three hours for absorption. The skin is then exposed to a calibrated light. The abnormal cells preferentially absorb the Metvix and exposure to the calibrated light source destroys the unhealthy cells.

When can I do PDT?

PDT can be done on the same day as your Mohs surgery or anytime 2-4 weeks after Mohs surgery.

Benefits of doing PDT on the same day as Mohs surgery

The benefit of doing PDT at the same time as your Mohs surgery is that you will be able to recover from the skin cancer surgery and PDT treatment simultaneously. Also, Mohs surgery typically takes all day and the PDT treatment requires the medication to be on your skin for three hours before exposure to the light source. By combining surgery and PDT on the same day, you will save significant time.

How much does PDT cost?

PDT treatment is not covered by MSP in British Columbia but given that the treatment is for pre-cancerous skin conditions, some third-party insurance carriers cover the cost of the drug (Metvix Cream DIN #02323273). The calibrated light treatment may or may not be covered by third party insurance but can be submitted as a medical expense. We will give you all the necessary information to maximize your third-party insurance coverage.

How many PDT sessions are required to destroy pre-cancerous cells?

Most patients require one to three PDT treatments spaced three to six months apart until all abnormal skin lesions have cleared. If you continue to have excessive sun exposure, annual maintenance should be performed to keep your skin clear of abnormal cells.

How can I book PDT on the same day as surgery?

If you are interested in booking your PDT treatment on the same day as your surgery, please ask our nurse at the time of your Patient Health Questionnaire telephone appointment. If you would like to discuss PDT further before surgery, you can also schedule an in-person appointment during your telephone call with our nurse to meet with one of our dedicated skin care advisors. Located in New Westminster, British Columbia, Healthy Skin Centre serves clients from Vancouver, Port Moody, Coquitlam, Burnaby, and the Greater Vancouver Area. Call us at 604.553.7546 (SKIN) to learn more about your treatment options for skin cancer with Photodynamic Therapy.