Photodynamic therapy- pain and aspects of pain relief

摘要: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-invasive treatment option for superficial basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous (SCC) in situ or Bowen's disease (BD), and actinic keratoses (AK). One of the advantages PDT possibility to treat field cancerization. also suitable use when treating poor healing areas such as lower extremities. Furthermore, offers an excellent cosmetic outcome compared with conventional therapies. In general well tolerated, side effects erythema, scaling crusts are normal after treatment. The most problematic effect pain, especially large extensive AKs treaded face and/or scalp. overall aim this thesis was investigate identify factors pain associated PDT, try achieve effective methods reduce during first study (Paper I), 377 patients treated year 2004 were investigated. Of special interest patients' experience identifying predictors. strongest predictor size area, followed by diagnosis location. Study II II), we examined transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) method relief PDT. During strength controlled patient. result TENS minor decrease patient's previous assessments without TENS. III III), pain-relieving frontal block (NB) combination occipital NBs examined. applied unilaterally other serving own control. nerve-blocked area mean VAS score 1.0 6.4 on non-blocked side. limitation that temple not completely covered current NBs. Finally, IV IV), patients, being users, interviewed about how they experienced perceived All interviewees had been scalp undergone NB. very intense NB but said end made it worth it. given satisfactory from pain; however, injections could be transiently painful.