Treatment of multiple scalp basal cell carcinomas by photodynamic therapy

The use of surface protoporphyrin IX fluorescence detection to delineate multiple superficial basal cell carcinomas on a patient's scalp is described. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) was subsequently performed with clearance of six and partial clearance of the remaining two tumours. The treated lesions have not recurred during 12 months of follow-up. The opportunity to combine diagnostic fluorescence detection with subsequent treatment by PDT offers an effective and practical management option. PDT is a tissue-sparing modality with low morbidity and good cosmesis, leading us to propose 5-aminolaevulinic acid-PDT for multiple superficial basal cell carcinomas of the scalp.