Diagnosis and treatment of basal cell carcinoma

Skin cancer can be treated more effectively if the intervention is tailored to the patient's individual needs and the specific characteristics of the tumour. This PhD research found that the most common form of treatment – photodynamic therapy – is only successful in slightly more than half of skin cancer cases compared to a simple cream, which is far more effective. However, modern light therapy remains the preferred treatment for patients over sixty. Doctors should be able to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of a specific treatment method during the diagnosis phase. Making a clearer distinction between individual patients can improve treatment results and lead to a more effective treatment and lower health costs.