Cryoablation, occasionally called cryotherapy or cryosurgery, is a minimally invasive treatment (no incisions) that uses extremely cold temperatures to kill cancer tumors. It is a well-established technology for the treatment of many benign and malignant tumors and lesions, including kidney tumors. read more
During cryoablation, a cryoprobe—most often a straight metallic shaft—is inserted into the target tissue. A liquid gas, most commonly argon, is used to rapidly cool the cryoprobe. An ice ball forms along the cryoprobe shaft and enlarges over time. Temperature monitoring and imaging are used to determine when freezing is adequate. read more
Cryosurgery is also used to treat tumors inside the body (internal tumors and tumors in the bone). For internal tumors, liquid nitrogen or argon gas is circulated through a hollow instrument called a cryoprobe, which is placed in contact with the tumor. read more
A remarkable procedure that uses freezing gas to destroy kidney cancers is offering hope to the 8,000 Britons diagnosed with the disease each year. The technique means no stitches, just an overnight hospital stay, and faster recovery times than traditional surgery. read more
Although cryotherapy and cryoablation can be used interchangeably, the term "cryosurgery" is best reserved for cryotherapy performed using an open, surgical approach. During cryotherapy, liquid nitrogen or high pressure argon gas flows into a needle-like applicator (a cryoprobe) creating intense cold that is placed in contact with diseased tissue. read more
Cryosurgery (also called cryotherapy) is the use of extreme cold produced by liquid nitrogen (or argon gas) to destroy abnormal tissue. Cryosurgery is used to treat external tumors, such as those on the skin. For external tumors, liquid nitrogen is applied directly to the cancer cells with a cotton swab or spraying device. read more