It must have been a very small tumor as PDT is useable only to a depth of 1/3".

PDT utilizes lasers (which may be visible or invisible, depending on the frequency).

See: http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=6225

I had to research this as EBT (Electron Beam Therapy) is also technically Photon therapy, but in the x-ray electromagnetic spectrum. Everything in red is about EBT. This would include XRT and IMRT.

All light sources are considered photons (and a form of radiation), including UV through IR and beyond (ie, invisible light), they are all a form of radiation but not necessarily x-radiation. The more excited the atoms are, the higher the energy.

�noun Also, x ray, X ray.
1. Physics .
a. Often, x-rays. a form of electromagnetic radiation, similar to light but of shorter wavelength and capable of penetrating solids and of ionizing gases.
b. such radiation having wavelengths in the range of approximately 0.1�10 nm.

Here's a great, easy to understand link (courtesy of NASA) about the electromagnetic spectrum:

http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/science/know_l1/emspectrum.html

The only thing that I could add to this is that EBT can range from 6-20 MeV (Millions of Electron Volts) with 6 MeV being a typical LINAC for H&N cancer. The higher the energy - the deeper the penetration. There are also cyclotrons that were used for research and also creating radioisotopes, such as those made for PET scanners, that are up in the BeV (Billions of Electron Volts). Still not as high as the national deficit though ;-)

He probably has little risk getting an extraction or dental procedure. I would run it by the MO or RO first if it were me.

According to some of the data I researched, PDT can actually stimulate the immune system, whereas EBT can temporarily damage it. EBT destroys the small capillaries in the jaw bone so it makes blood (and antibodies) getting to the infection site much more difficult. This is why, for most patients, dental procedures and daily care have to be managed very carefully.

Last edited by Gary; 01-15-2011 09:45 PM.
Gary Allsebrook
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Dx 11/22/02, SCC, 6 x 3 cm Polypoid tumor, rt tonsil, Stage III/IVA, T3N0M0 G1/2
Tx 1/28/03 - 3/19/03, Cisplatin ct x2, IMRT, bilateral, with boost, x35(69.96Gy)
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"You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14 NIV)