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Skin Cancer | Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) Treatment. Hospital Prices, Ranking, Reviews - Bookinghealth

Skin Cancer — Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): treatment in the Best Hospitals in the World

➤Photodynamic therapy (PDT) for skin cancer - treatment ★ Direct prices from the best hospitals in the world $ We will help you save money on treatment ✔ Patient support 24/7

Treatment prices are regulated by national law of the corresponding countries, but can also include additional hospital coefficients. In order to receive the individual cost calculation, please send us the request and medical records.

Department of Adult and Pediatric Dermatology, Allergology and Phlebology

The Department of Adult and Pediatric Dermatology, Allergology and Phlebology offers all the options of modern medicine for diagnosing and treating skin diseases, allergies, and venereal pathologies. The focus of the department's dermatologists is on patients with various types of skin cancer, psoriasis, eczema, neurodermatitis, acne, venous diseases, and chronic non-healing leg ulcers. The medical facility also admits young patients, including those with rare and genetic skin diseases. The department has an excellent technical base, thanks to which modern laser treatment, light therapy, phototherapy, and advanced sparing surgical interventions are successfully performed here. Top-class medical care is provided by a highly professional team of 60 specialized doctors and 130 nurses, as well as medical and technical workers. About 90,000 patients undergo outpatient treatment, and more than 5,800 patients receive medical care on an inpatient basis annually. The hospital has 160 beds to accommodate patients. The department is thus one of the largest medical facilities of this kind in Germany.

Lars French
Prof. Dr. med.Lars French
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Price: 6372.27
Helios Hospital Berlin-Buch

Helios Hospital Berlin-Buch

Overall rating 9.7 / 10

Department of Dermatology and Allergology

The Department of Dermatology and Allergology provides all diagnostic tests and therapeutic measures for the treatment of skin diseases and allergic reactions. The priority area of the department's work is the treatment of malignant skin neoplasms (certification as a Skin Cancer Center of the German Cancer Society). Each patient receives an individual treatment regimen for skin pathology or allergies, which includes the most effective and sparing therapeutic methods.

Kerstin Lommel
Dr. med.Kerstin Lommel
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Price: 5690.54
University Hospital Frankfurt am Main
Specialized hospital

Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology

The Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology offers the diagnostics and treatment of all dermatological diseases. The department specializes in the very latest methods of surgical dermatology, diagnostics and treatment of skin cancer, venous diseases, as well as all diagnostic and therapeutic methods of modern dermatology, including laser dermatological therapy, phototherapy, photodynamic therapy, etc. The treatment of patients with skin cancer is carried out in close cooperation with colleagues from the University Cancer Center Frankfurt.

Roland Kaufmann
Prof. Dr. med.Roland Kaufmann
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Price: 5687.41
Charite University Hospital Berlin
Specialized hospital

Department of Adult and Pediatric Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology

The Department of Adult and Pediatric Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology offers the full range of medical services in these fields. The department's specialists treat all skin diseases, including rare clinical cases, sexually transmitted infections and allergic reactions. The department's modern technical facilities and fruitful research activities aimed at the optimization and development of therapeutic techniques are the key to the successful clinical practice. Also, the department uses the concept of holistic approach to treatment, which provides for the adaptation of therapy to specific indications and needs of the patient, respectful and sympathetic attitude.

Kamran Ghoreschi
Prof. Dr. med.Kamran Ghoreschi
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Price: 7991.52
University Hospital RWTH Aachen
Specialized hospital

Department of Dermatology and Allergology

The Department of Dermatology and Allergology treats all skin diseases and is one of the leading medical facilities of this kind in Germany. The department's doctors specialize in the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases (for example, psoriasis, eczema), allergies, skin infections, diseases of the mucous membranes, nails and hair. The key focus of the department’s work is the treatment of skin tumors. In addition, the department's dermatologists have unique experience in the treatment of rare skin diseases. The department positions itself as maximum care medical facility, in which all classical and advanced methods of diagnostics and therapy are available. The primary task of each employee is the effective treatment, which meets the very latest medical standards.

Amir Yazdi
Prof. Dr. med.Amir Yazdi
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Price: 6212.54
University Hospital Ulm
Specialized hospital

University Hospital Ulm

Overall rating 8.7 / 10

Department of Dermatology and Allergology

The Department of Dermatology and Allergology provides the full range of medical services in the areas of its competence. The medical facility offers comprehensive diagnostics and treatment for skin diseases and allergies. The department's primary focus is on the treatment of malignant skin tumors, which is carried out in a center certified by the German Cancer Society (DKG). The department also houses a state-of-the-art Phototherapy Center, where patients with psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, vitiligo, and other skin pathologies receive treatment. Allergic diseases are treated in a certified center of the Global Allergy and Asthma Excellence Network (GA2LEN). The most common allergic diseases in the clinical practice of the department's doctors are hay fever, bronchial asthma, urticaria, conjunctivitis, and drug allergies. The department's specialists use allergen-specific immunotherapy (hyposensitization) and other effective methods for the treatment of allergies. The medical facility also has an in-house laboratory. The department has 35 stationary and 14 semi-stationary beds at its disposal. Doctors use the very latest treatment methods in their work that allow them to achieve optimal therapeutic and aesthetic results.

Karin Scharffetter-Kochanek
Prof. Dr. med.Karin Scharffetter-Kochanek
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Price: 5911.87
University Hospital Würzburg
Specialized hospital

Department of Adult and Pediatric Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology

The Department of Adult and Pediatric Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology is one of the largest advanced Dermatology Centers in Germany with rich traditions. The department offers the diagnostics and treatment of the entire spectrum of dermatological and allergic diseases. The department specializes in the treatment of psoriasis, eczema, allergies, skin infections, diseases of the mucous membranes, nails and hair. The specialists have a special competence in the treatment of skin cancer.

Matthias Goebeler
Prof. Dr. med.Matthias Goebeler
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Price: 5771.97
University Hospital Erlangen
Specialized hospital

University Hospital Erlangen

Overall rating 9.1 / 10

Department of Dermatology, Allergology and Andrology

The Department of Dermatology, Allergology and Andrology offers accurate diagnostics and effective treatment of diseases of the skin and its appendages, allergic reactions, as well as male infertility and erectile dysfunction. Priority is given to the diagnostics and treatment of skin tumors, inflammatory skin diseases, vitiligo, psoriasis, neurodermatitis and chronic non-healing wounds. Skin cancer therapy is carried out within a specialized Skin Cancer Center certified by the German Cancer Society. The department's dermatologists successfully apply conservative treatment methods (ointments, gels, pills), advanced laser technologies and surgical techniques. Every year, the department admits more than 3,000 inpatients and about 50,000 outpatients. Close interdisciplinary cooperation and the very latest infrastructure of the university hospital ensure the highest level of medical services and the best treatment results, thanks to which the department has an impeccable reputation throughout Europe and beyond.

Carola Berking
Prof. Dr. med.Carola Berking
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Price: 6007.92
University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf
Specialized hospital

Department of Dermatology and Venereology

The Department of Dermatology and Venereology offers the broadest options for the diagnostics and treatment of all skin diseases and sexually transmitted diseases. Of particular interest is the treatment of patients with skin tumors, chronic wounds, phlebological disorders, autoimmune pathologies and chronic inflammatory skin diseases, such as eczema, psoriasis, neurodermatitis. In addition, the service spectrum covers the comprehensive diagnostics and treatment of allergic diseases, the most modern treatment methods in the field of aesthetic dermatology.

Stefan W. Schneider
Prof. Dr. med.Stefan W. Schneider
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Price: 7280.55
University Hospital Muenster
Specialized hospital

University Hospital Muenster

Overall rating 9.8 / 10

Department of Adult and Pediatric Dermatology, Venereology

The Department of Adult and Pediatric Dermatology, Venereology offers the full range of medical services in these fields. The department is one of the largest medical facilities in Germany specializing in the treatment of congenital and acquired skin diseases. The department's doctors have in their arsenal many classic and innovative treatment methods, which provide the best therapeutic and aesthetic result. For patients with incurable diseases, the doctors develop individual therapy concepts aimed at the prevention of disease progression and improvement of the patient’s quality of life. One of the priorities is the treatment of skin cancers (certification of the German Cancer Society).

Kerstin Steinbrink
Prof. Dr. med.Kerstin Steinbrink
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Price: 5628.94
University Hospital Bonn
Specialized hospital

University Hospital Bonn

Overall rating 9.2 / 10

Department of Dermatology and Allergology

The Department of Dermatology and Allergology offers the diagnostics and treatment of all dermatological pathologies. The department specializes in the treatment of chronic inflammatory dermatoses, autoimmune diseases, skin tumors, operative dermatology, etc. The department also offers the high-quality medical services in the treatment of venous disease of the lower extremities, treatment of all types of allergies, impaired fertility in men, etc.

Thomas Bieber
Prof. Dr. med. Dr.h.c.Thomas Bieber
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Price: 6200.01
University Hospital Heidelberg
Specialized hospital

Department of Adult and Pediatric Dermatology

The Department of Adult and Pediatric Dermatology offers the full range of diagnostics and treatment of skin diseases, including extremely complex and rare clinical cases in this field. The department became the first in Germany, which was certified in accordance with the standards of the German Cancer Society, and today occupies a leading position in the treatment of skin cancer both at the national and international level. The priority task of the specialists of the department is to provide patients with the interdisciplinary, individualized medical care.

Alexander Enk
Prof. Dr. med.Alexander Enk
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University Hospital Essen
Specialized hospital

University Hospital Essen

Overall rating 9.6 / 10

Department of Dermatology

The Department of Dermatology offers the full range of medical services for the diagnostics and treatment of skin, sexually transmitted diseases, and allergic reactions. The key clinical focus is the therapy of benign and malignant skin tumors. Particular attention is also paid to cosmetic dermatology, for example, keloid scar revision, removal of pigment spots, spider veins, etc. The department treats about 2,700 inpatients and 49,500 outpatients every year. Thus, the department ranks among the largest and leading German medical facilities of this kind.

Dirk Schadendorf
Prof. Dr. med.Dirk Schadendorf
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Price: 5575.7
University Hospital Jena
Specialized hospital

University Hospital Jena

Overall rating 8.9 / 10

Department of Dermatology

The Department of Dermatology offers the full range of diagnostics and treatment for patients with various skin diseases, including rare and severe types, as well as with allergic reactions and sexually transmitted diseases. The treatment is provided both on an inpatient and outpatient basis. In addition, the department has a specialized Skin Cancer Center (certified by the German Cancer Society) and the Hives Center. The department is proud of its successful clinical practice, which has been conducted for more than 100 years, providing patients with the first-class medical care.

Peter Elsner
Prof. Dr. med.Peter Elsner
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Price: 6210.45
University Hospital Halle (Saale)
Specialized hospital

Department of Dermatology and Venereology

The Department of Dermatology and Venereology offers the full range of services for the diagnostics and treatment of all skin and sexually transmitted diseases. Of particular interest are general dermatology, oncological, allergic and surgical dermatology. The department has specialized laboratories, which conduct all modern laboratory tests. The department's competent specialists have a huge number of effective surgical techniques and vast experience in the treatment of diseases of the veins, lymphatic vessels and capillaries.

Cord Sunderkötter
Prof. Dr. med.Cord Sunderkötter
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Price: 5770.93
University Hospital Marburg UKGM
Specialized hospital

Department of Dermatology and Allergology

The Department of Dermatology and Allergology offers all the modern diagnostic and therapeutic options for patients with skin diseases, including skin manifestations of allergic reactions. The department has been conducting successful clinical activities for more than 100 years, and therefore it has extensive experience and unique achievements in its area of specialization. Such advanced fields of dermatology as laser therapy, light therapy, dermatohistology, etc. are well developed in the department. It operates an emergency dermatological care service, which provides round-the-clock patient care.

Michael Hertl
Prof.Dr. med.Michael Hertl
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Price: 5347.06

Photodynamic therapy for skin cancer is one of the progressive treatments for this disease. It is widely used in the leading Cancer and Dermatology Centers of developed countries. The method has many advantages, such as minimal invasiveness, high selectivity of tumor tissue damage and the absence of severe complications.

Principle of the method 

Photodynamic therapy involves the introduction of a photosensitizer into the patient's body. This is a substance that accumulates in cancer cells. The substance itself is not toxic, but it is activated when exposed to light waves of a certain length. Once the sensitizer has been administered, the tumor will be irradiated with this light. The photosensitizer activates and destroys cancer cells.

Typically, the destruction occurs due to the activation of oxygen and the formation of many free radicals. The cell death initiates singlet oxygen. The photosensitizers of the first generations used to be an option of choice. They were poorly accumulated in cancer cells, did not cause total tumor destruction, and therefore they were used only as palliative treatment. However, today there are new drugs that are more effective. They can completely destroy cancer cells, thereby curing the disease.

The advantages of the method include: 

  • It is more sparing than surgery
  • It can completely cure skin cancer at the initial stages 
  • The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis
  • Accurate tumor targeting, minimal impact on healthy tissue 
  • Wounds heal without large scars, and therefore the procedure provides a good aesthetic effect

At the same time, PDT has limitations. This method can only treat tumors that can be irradiated with light waves after the introduction of the photosensitizer. Therefore, PDT in monotherapy cannot be used for invasive skin cancer and the presence of metastasis. Nonetheless, it can be combined with radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgical treatment for skin cancer.

What patients can be treated with PDT? 

Photodynamic therapy is suitable for:

  • Patients who do not want to undergo surgery 
  • Patients who have a T1 tumor – up to 2 cm in diameter
  • Patients who have a T2 tumor – more than 2 cm, but without invasion into the deeper layers of the skin 
  • Patients who have a tumor located in aesthetically significant areas of the skin 

The therapy aims not to reduce the tumor and not to slow its growth, but to completely destroy it. The effectiveness depends on the stage of skin cancer, the location of the tumor and the photosensitizer used. On average, when treating stage 1-2 of the disease, it is possible to achieve a complete cure of the disease in 85% of patients.

How is PDT performed?

Photodynamic therapy begins with the introduction of a sensitizer. It is usually administered intravenously. A few hours after this, the tumor is irradiated using a special device. The distance to the radiation source is several centimeters and depends on the area to be exposed. The light spot is directed so that it extends beyond the boundaries of skin cancer by 0.5 cm or more. The radiation time and energy density are calculated individually.

There are photosensitizers that can be applied locally. They are safer, do not require the protection of the patient from light after a course of therapy. They can also be used in elderly patients and in patients with a burdened allergic medical history. At the same time, local photosensitizers are less effective, therefore, they can be used only with a minimal depth of cancer invasion, in the very early stages.

To cure the disease, the patient often requires not one, but several sessions. Each time the patient is under control. The doctor examines the patient 1 month after PDT. The full cure can be achieved in half of the patients the first time. The rest require a second course of photodynamic therapy. After the second exposure, a complete destruction of the tumor occurs in another 30% of patients. The subsequent third and fourth sessions of PDT, which are performed with an interval of 1 month, can cure another 15% of patients. Only 5% have to additionally resort to other treatments.

Most patients do not have a relapse of the tumor. It happen within 5 years in 15% of cases. The relapses can also be treated with photodynamic therapy, and in most patients this approach leads to a cure for the disease.

The treatment process usually does not require local anesthesia. Non-narcotic analgesics can sometimes be used. During the irradiation procedure, the patient may feel a burning or tingling sensation in the irradiation area. In the first two days after the procedure, pain in the affected area is also possible.

What happens after treatment? 

After a course of therapy, the patient has symptoms manifested on the skin. It becomes red and swollen. These phenomena reach their maximum in the first day after PDT. Within 1 week, the symptoms become less severe. The full recovery takes about 1 month.

When examining the patient after 1-2 days, the doctor notices the areas of necrosis. The tumor becomes black or gray. The necrotic processes reach a maximum after two days. The epithelization of the skin occurs later.

The patient will be examined 1 month later. The doctor checks if the tumor has been totally removed. Should skin cancer be cured, no further monitoring will be required. Some patients can be prescribed repeated photodynamic therapy. The indications for another irradiation session are a long non-healing ulcer, small shiny nodules, pathologically altered tissues with a roller on the periphery, or a dense scar welded to the underlying tissues. The total tumor removal is indicated by the complete healing of the wound with the formation of a soft scar. In doubtful cases, a biopsy can be indicated.

Treatment abroad with the Booking Health company 

You can use the services of the best doctors in the world by booking a treatment program abroad through Booking Health. We will arrange your trip for you to receive medical services. You will get many benefits: 

  • Selection of the best clinic that specializes in photodynamic therapy and achieves significant success in this medical field. 
  • Reduced cost of photodynamic therapy for skin cancer. You save up to 50% due to the absence of overpricing and additional coefficients for foreign patients.
  • Booking an appointment on the most suitable dates for you.
  • Preparation of the program taking into account the previously performed tests.
  • Establishment of communication directly with the attending physician.
  • Monitoring of all stages of a photodynamic therapy program.
  • Control of invoices, return of unspent funds.
  • Buying and forwarding medicines.
  • Organization of additional diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
  • Communication with the clinic upon photodynamic therapy completion.

We will help you with paperwork, book a hotel and airline tickets, pick you up from the airport and provide you with interpreting services. After completing the course of cancer treatment, we will organize a return transfer from the hospital to the airport.