What Is Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy, also known as cryoablation or cryosurgery, is a minimally invasive treatment that uses extreme cold to destroy abnormal or cancerous cells. During the procedure, a physician places a thin needle-like probe into or near a tumor and delivers very cold gases, such as argon, to freeze the targeted tissue.
The freezing process damages cancer cells, causing them to die while minimizing injury to surrounding healthy tissue. Cryotherapy may be used as a primary treatment for certain cancers or to treat tumors that have returned after previous treatment.
At the GW Cancer Center, cryotherapy is one of several advanced treatment options that may be recommended as part of a personalized cancer care plan.
How Cryotherapy Is Used to Treat Cancer
Cryotherapy can be used to treat a variety of cancers and cancer-related conditions, including:
- Kidney cancer
- Liver tumors
- Lung tumors
- Prostate cancer
- Bone tumors
- Certain skin cancers
- Precancerous lesions and abnormal tissue changes
The procedure may be performed through the skin using imaging guidance, such as CT scans or ultrasound, or during surgery, depending on the location and size of the tumor.
Benefits of Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy offers several potential advantages for appropriate patients, including:
- Minimally invasive treatment
- Smaller incisions or no incisions
- Reduced damage to surrounding healthy tissue
- Less pain and blood loss than some surgical procedures
- Shorter recovery times
The ability to treat tumors in locations that may be difficult to reach with traditional surgery
For some patients, cryotherapy may be an alternative when surgery is not possible or when preserving organ function is an important consideration.
What to Expect During Treatment
Before treatment, patients may undergo imaging studies and other tests to help determine whether cryotherapy is an appropriate option.
During the procedure, the treatment area is numbed or the patient is placed under anesthesia. Using imaging guidance, the physician carefully positions one or more cryoprobes within the tumor. The probes create an ice ball around the tumor, freezing and destroying cancer cells. Multiple freeze-thaw cycles may be used to maximize treatment effectiveness.
Most patients are able to return home the same day or after a short hospital stay, depending on the type and location of the treatment.
Possible Side Effects
Side effects vary based on the location of the tumor and the extent of treatment but may include:
- Pain or discomfort at the treatment site
- Swelling or bruising
- Temporary fatigue
- Bleeding or infection
- Damage to nearby tissues or structures, although this is uncommon
Your care team will discuss the potential risks and benefits of cryotherapy and help determine whether it is the right treatment option for you.
Cryotherapy at the GW Cancer Center
The specialists at the GW Cancer Center use advanced imaging and treatment technologies to deliver precise, personalized cancer care. Cryotherapy may be offered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that can include surgery, radiation therapy, systemic therapies, and clinical trials.
Our multidisciplinary team works closely with each patient to evaluate all available treatment options and develop a care plan tailored to their individual diagnosis, goals, and overall health.