Efficacy and aesthetic outcomes of photodynamic therapy for basal cell carcinoma in aesthetic-sensitive facial regions: A case series study

Background: Surgical excision of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in aesthetic facial regions (e.g., nasal, periocular) risks disfiguring scars and functional deficits, particularly for elderly patients with surgical contraindications or extensive lesions where complete tumor clearance proves challenging....

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Main Authors: Xu Ji, Li Ma, Yu Xin Ding, Jin Chi Zhang, Ming Kai Ji
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-08-01
Series:Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S157210002500239X
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author Xu Ji
Li Ma
Yu Xin Ding
Jin Chi Zhang
Ming Kai Ji
author_facet Xu Ji
Li Ma
Yu Xin Ding
Jin Chi Zhang
Ming Kai Ji
author_sort Xu Ji
collection DOAJ
description Background: Surgical excision of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in aesthetic facial regions (e.g., nasal, periocular) risks disfiguring scars and functional deficits, particularly for elderly patients with surgical contraindications or extensive lesions where complete tumor clearance proves challenging. Conventional approaches often carry significant perioperative burdens for this demographic. Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and aesthetic outcomes of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as a non-surgical alternative for BCC in cosmetically critical facial areas. Methods: This case series analyzed three patients with histologically confirmed BCC (nodular, ulcerative, and infiltrative subtypes) involving nasal, periocular, and cheek regions. All subjects underwent debridement pretreatment followed by photodynamic therapy (PDT). Results: Complete tumor clearance was achieved in all cases, confirmed by 3-month clinical and dermoscopic evaluation. Ulcerated lesions demonstrated full epithelialization with preserved nasal alar architecture, eyelid margin integrity, and natural cheek contour. Transient erythema resolved spontaneously without scarring or dyspigmentation. No recurrences were observed during the 1-year follow-up period. Conclusion: ALA-PDT achieves precise tumor eradication while preserving critical facial anatomy, serving as a viable first-line option for anatomically complex BCCs in elderly populations.
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spelling doaj-art-c3e2ea9115aa46bbac0290b42986a2572025-08-20T03:23:29ZengElsevierPhotodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy1572-10002025-08-015410470710.1016/j.pdpdt.2025.104707Efficacy and aesthetic outcomes of photodynamic therapy for basal cell carcinoma in aesthetic-sensitive facial regions: A case series studyXu Ji0Li Ma1Yu Xin Ding2Jin Chi Zhang3Ming Kai Ji4Second Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen Medical College, Department of Dermatology, Xiamen, PR China; First Affiliated Hospital of DaLian Medical University, DaLian, PR ChinaSecond Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen Medical College, Department of Dermatology, Xiamen, PR ChinaSecond Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen Medical College, Department of Dermatology, Xiamen, PR ChinaSecond Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen Medical College, Department of Dermatology, Xiamen, PR ChinaSecond Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen Medical College, Department of Dermatology, Xiamen, PR China; Corresponding author: second Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen Medical College, Department of Dermatology, Xiamen, China, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen Medical College, No 566 Shengguang Road, Jimei District, Xiamen, Fujian Province 361021, PR China.Background: Surgical excision of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in aesthetic facial regions (e.g., nasal, periocular) risks disfiguring scars and functional deficits, particularly for elderly patients with surgical contraindications or extensive lesions where complete tumor clearance proves challenging. Conventional approaches often carry significant perioperative burdens for this demographic. Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and aesthetic outcomes of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as a non-surgical alternative for BCC in cosmetically critical facial areas. Methods: This case series analyzed three patients with histologically confirmed BCC (nodular, ulcerative, and infiltrative subtypes) involving nasal, periocular, and cheek regions. All subjects underwent debridement pretreatment followed by photodynamic therapy (PDT). Results: Complete tumor clearance was achieved in all cases, confirmed by 3-month clinical and dermoscopic evaluation. Ulcerated lesions demonstrated full epithelialization with preserved nasal alar architecture, eyelid margin integrity, and natural cheek contour. Transient erythema resolved spontaneously without scarring or dyspigmentation. No recurrences were observed during the 1-year follow-up period. Conclusion: ALA-PDT achieves precise tumor eradication while preserving critical facial anatomy, serving as a viable first-line option for anatomically complex BCCs in elderly populations.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S157210002500239XBasal cell carcinomaPhotodynamic therapyAesthetic dermatologyFacial reconstructionNon-surgical oncology
spellingShingle Xu Ji
Li Ma
Yu Xin Ding
Jin Chi Zhang
Ming Kai Ji
Efficacy and aesthetic outcomes of photodynamic therapy for basal cell carcinoma in aesthetic-sensitive facial regions: A case series study
Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy
Basal cell carcinoma
Photodynamic therapy
Aesthetic dermatology
Facial reconstruction
Non-surgical oncology
title Efficacy and aesthetic outcomes of photodynamic therapy for basal cell carcinoma in aesthetic-sensitive facial regions: A case series study
title_full Efficacy and aesthetic outcomes of photodynamic therapy for basal cell carcinoma in aesthetic-sensitive facial regions: A case series study
title_fullStr Efficacy and aesthetic outcomes of photodynamic therapy for basal cell carcinoma in aesthetic-sensitive facial regions: A case series study
title_full_unstemmed Efficacy and aesthetic outcomes of photodynamic therapy for basal cell carcinoma in aesthetic-sensitive facial regions: A case series study
title_short Efficacy and aesthetic outcomes of photodynamic therapy for basal cell carcinoma in aesthetic-sensitive facial regions: A case series study
title_sort efficacy and aesthetic outcomes of photodynamic therapy for basal cell carcinoma in aesthetic sensitive facial regions a case series study
topic Basal cell carcinoma
Photodynamic therapy
Aesthetic dermatology
Facial reconstruction
Non-surgical oncology
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S157210002500239X
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