It is impossible to predict if an AK will evolve into a squamous cell carcinoma, or at which point it will happen. Many believe that AKs and squamous cell carcinomas are actually the same condition at different stages of a continuing process.

This process begins with minor cell damage and, over time, ultimately results in the cell becoming cancerous. It is believed that AKs occur in the early stages of the process; squamous cell carcinomas occur in the final stage. One thing, however, is certain: a significant percentage of AKs develop into squamous cell carcinomas.

The treatment consists of using a light source - Blu-U or Intelligent Pulsed Light (IPL) - to activate Levulan^® (ALA) which has previously been applied to the skin.

This is an advanced 2-step treatment for minimally to moderately thick AKs (AKs that have not yet become enlarged and thick) of the face or scalp. Thicker AK’s can be pretreated with liquid nitrogen. The system is unique because it’s the only one that uses light to destroy AKs.

The Levulan^® PDT system has been proven effective in clinical testing. Eight weeks after treatment, it had cleared 100% of AKs in about 2/3 patients. The system more effectively cleared AKs of the face than those of the scalp. Clinical studies did not examine what happened to completely cleared AKs more than 12 weeks after treatment.

A series of 3 treatments 2 – 4 weeks apart is usually most effective. Some patients may be satisfied with the results of one treatment. The Levulan^® PDT system can also produce excellent cosmetic benefits by reducing sun damage, improving skin tone, colour and texture.

PDT is easier for patients, with minimal side effects and rapid healing of the skin. Other treatments commonly used are liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy), Efudex^® and Aldara^®.

PDT treats the entire area including AKs that are not yet visible, while liquid nitrogen treats only one lesion at a time. Liquid nitrogen can be painful and may leave unsightly white or dark spots on your skin.

Efudex^® and Aldara^® are applied daily for a number of weeks. During this time the skin is usually sore with redness, appears ulcerated and is generally unsightly. The treatment can be painful.

PDT is the only therapy for AKs that will achieve a cosmetic improvement as well as remove AKs.

Long-term exposure to the sun is the single most significant cause of AKs, so the best defense against them is a comprehensive sun protection program. This includes wearing protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat, avoiding the sun at midday when ultraviolet rays are strongest, staying in the shade as much as possible, wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and the regular application of products containing Vitamin C and a retinoid.