Cryogenic Treatment for Cancer

Cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation and spreading of malignant cells within the body. There is not yet a complete cure for cancer, but there are numerous treatment options available to combat the disease. One of these treatments uses cryogenics (cryotherapy) to restrain the multiplication of cancerous cells.

Cryogenics

• Cryogenic treatment method, also called cryotherapy, involves freezing the diseased cells (by using gases such as liquid nitrogen or argon gas) in order to destroy them and thus prevent their further multiplication and metastasis.

Duration

• Cryotherapy is generally performed periodically for over two to three months depending on the stage of the cancer and the internal spreading of the malignant cells.

Benefits

• Older cancer patients or those who cannot undergo surgical removal of the cancerous cells/tissues due to medical disorders or heart problems are particularly good candidates for cryotherapy as the treatment involves minimal incision and pain.

Risks

• Bleeding, nerve damage, and damage to normal healthy cells are some of the risks involved with cryotherapy.

Types

• Cryotherapy may be performed either by applying liquid nitrogen directly over the external cancer cells or by injecting the gas through a needle-like probe or incision site in order to treat internal cancers.