Cryotherapy, also known as cryosurgery or cryoablation, is a medical treatment that employs extremely cold temperatures to destroy diseased tissue, most notably cancer cells and precancerous conditions. This minimally invasive technique has become a valuable tool in modern medicine, offering targeted treatment with reduced impact on surrounding healthy tissues. This article delves into the specifics of cryotherapy, exploring its applications, procedures, benefits, and what patients can expect.
Understanding Cryotherapy: How Extreme Cold Destroys Cells
At its core, cryotherapy leverages the destructive power of freezing temperatures. When cells are exposed to extreme cold, ice crystals form within them. These ice crystals disrupt cellular structures and cause cell dehydration, ultimately leading to cell death. In cryotherapy, medical professionals precisely apply these freezing temperatures to target abnormal cells, effectively destroying them while minimizing damage to the surrounding healthy tissue.
Different methods are employed to deliver this extreme cold, depending on the location and type of tissue being treated. For external lesions, such as skin cancers, liquid nitrogen is often directly applied. For internal tumors and abnormalities, a device called a cryoprobe is used. This probe is inserted into or near the targeted tissue and circulates a freezing agent, typically argon gas, to induce localized freezing.
Who Can Benefit from Cryotherapy? Applications and Conditions Treated
Cryotherapy is not a universal cancer treatment, but it is highly effective for specific conditions. It is a well-established treatment for:
- Abnormal Cervical Cells (Cervical Dysplasia): Cryotherapy is frequently used to treat precancerous cells on the cervix, preventing the development of cervical cancer.
- Basal Cell Skin Cancer: This common type of skin cancer, often slow-growing, is effectively treated with cryotherapy, especially for smaller lesions.
Beyond these primary uses, research supports cryotherapy’s application in treating other cancers, including:
- Kidney Cancer (Renal Cell Carcinoma): For small kidney tumors, cryotherapy can be a curative option, minimizing the need for more invasive surgery.
- Lung Cancer (Advanced): In cases of advanced lung cancer, cryotherapy can be used to alleviate airway obstruction and improve breathing by destroying tumor tissue blocking the airways.
- Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma): Cryotherapy offers a treatment option for liver tumors, particularly when surgery is not feasible.
- Prostate Cancer: While primarily performed in specialized centers or clinical trials, cryotherapy is being explored as a treatment for prostate cancer in select cases.
Ongoing research continues to explore the potential of cryotherapy for other cancer types and conditions. It’s crucial to note that the suitability of cryotherapy depends on various factors, including the type, size, and location of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health.
Cryotherapy Procedures: What to Expect During Treatment
The method of cryotherapy administration varies significantly based on the location of the targeted tissue. Here’s a breakdown of common cryotherapy procedures:
Cryotherapy for Skin Cancer
This is often a straightforward outpatient procedure performed by a dermatologist or specialist GP. No special preparation is typically needed.
The doctor will apply liquid nitrogen to the skin lesion. This can be done by spraying the liquid nitrogen directly or using a cotton swab dipped in liquid nitrogen. The treated area will freeze and turn white. After a few minutes, the area thaws.
A scab will form over the treated area. This scab will naturally fall off within a few weeks, along with the destroyed cancer cells.
Cryotherapy for Abnormal Cervical Cells
This procedure is usually performed in a hospital’s colposcopy unit as an outpatient procedure.
The doctor or nurse inserts a speculum into the vagina to visualize the cervix. Then, a cryoprobe, cooled by liquid nitrogen, is inserted.
The cryoprobe is placed in contact with the abnormal cervical tissue, freezing the cells. The treatment typically lasts around 10 minutes.
Bronchoscopic Cryotherapy for Lung Cancer
Bronchoscopic cryotherapy is used to treat lung tumors obstructing the airways. It requires general anesthesia, and patients are advised to fast beforehand.
A bronchoscope, a thin, flexible tube, is inserted through the mouth or nose into the airways. A cryoprobe is passed through the bronchoscope to reach the tumor.
The cryoprobe freezes a portion of the tumor. The area is then allowed to thaw, and the probe is repositioned to treat adjacent areas. This freeze-thaw cycle is repeated until the entire tumor is treated. The doctor may also remove dead tissue using forceps or the cryoprobe itself. The entire procedure takes approximately 30 minutes.
Percutaneous Cryotherapy for Internal Cancers (Kidney, Liver, Prostate)
Percutaneous cryotherapy is a minimally invasive approach to treat tumors in organs like the kidney, liver, and prostate. It can be performed under local or general anesthesia.
Imaging guidance, such as ultrasound or CT scans, is used to precisely locate the tumor. A small incision is made in the skin, through which a needle-like cryoprobe is inserted directly into the tumor. In some cases, keyhole surgery (laparoscopy) with smaller incisions and camera guidance may be used.
Argon gas circulated through the cryoprobe freezes and destroys the tumor cells. For prostate cancer, probes are inserted through the perineum. For kidney cancer, the incision site depends on tumor location, typically on the abdomen or back. Percutaneous cryotherapy is often used for small, early-stage kidney cancers to preserve kidney function.
Side Effects of Cryotherapy: What to Expect After Treatment
Side effects vary depending on the treated area. Generally, cryotherapy is well-tolerated, and most side effects are temporary and resolve within a few days.
Side Effects of Skin Cryotherapy
- Pain: Some pain or discomfort at the treatment site is common immediately after and in the following days.
- Swelling and Redness: Inflammation around the treated area is expected.
- Blistering: Blisters may form as the skin heals.
- Infection: While uncommon, infection is a potential risk.
- Scarring and Numbness (Rare): In rare cases, scarring or permanent numbness in the treated area may occur.
- Skin Discoloration (Rare): The treated skin may become lighter or darker than the surrounding skin.
Side Effects of Cervical Cryotherapy
- Period-like Pain: Cramping pain during and shortly after the procedure is common.
- Light Vaginal Bleeding: Spotting or light bleeding can last for up to 4 weeks.
Side Effects of Internal Cryotherapy
- Pain and Discomfort: Pain at the treatment site is expected but usually subsides within a few days.
- Bleeding: Bleeding from the treatment area is monitored by medical staff.
- Damage to Nearby Tissue: While doctors strive to minimize this, there’s a risk of freezing and damaging healthy tissue close to the tumor.
It’s crucial to discuss potential side effects and risks with your doctor before undergoing cryotherapy. They can provide personalized information based on your specific condition and treatment plan.
Conclusion: Cryotherapy as a Targeted Cancer Treatment
Cryotherapy offers a valuable treatment option for various cancers and precancerous conditions. Its minimally invasive nature, targeted approach, and generally mild side effect profile make it an attractive alternative or complement to traditional cancer therapies. As research continues to expand its applications and refine techniques, cryotherapy is poised to play an even greater role in the future of cancer care. If you believe cryotherapy might be a suitable option for you or a loved one, consulting with a medical professional is the crucial first step to explore its potential benefits.
