Photodynamic therapy of eyelid basal cell carcinoma

Photodynamic therapy (PDT; i.e. selective destroying of malignant cells by exposing them to red light after photosensitization) has been increasingly used for non-melanoma skin cancers. Due to excellent cosmetic and functional results, especially in difficult-to-treat areas, it may offer a comprehensive alternative to previous treatment modalities.

A series of six patient cases was used to evaluate the efficacy of PDT in the treatment of lower eyelid basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Methods Histological confirmation of BCC, a detailed demonstration of the technique with an illustrative series of cases and a review of related literature.

Six patients with lower eyelid BCC were treated with two treatment sessions of PDT within a week. Five patients had a nodular type and one patient had a superficial type of BCC. The follow-up after treatment continued for 20-36 (mean 26.5) months. No recurrences were observed during the follow-up. All the patients were satisfied with the good results and tolerated the treatment well without any harm to the eyeball or surrounding skin.

PDT, although experimental in the eyelid area because of the small amount of data and the lack of a long-term follow-up, may be considered a promising comprehensive alternative when treating BCC in the eyelid area.