If you or someone you care for has recently been diagnosed with cancer, one treatment that may be suggested in cryotherapy. Cryotherapy can be described as a controlled use of the intense cold associated with liquid nitrogen with the goal of freezing off cancerous cysts, tumors, bumps, etc. When you and your oncologist are creating a treatment plan for your cancer, it is a good idea to determine whether you will be able to benefit from this unique treatment option. Therefore, you need to be aware of the facts discussed below.

Cryotherapy Is Commonly Used Externally 

While you may be familiar with the concept of freezing off a wart or unattractive mole, you may not know that doing so is often an example of cryotherapy. With smaller external growths, it can be gently dabbed over the surface and the tissue will literally fall off after forming a scab. Since the goal is to destroy the tissue, you may experience redness or swelling for a few days after the procedure and blisters may also manifest as part of the healing. 

Cryotherapy Can Also Benefit Your Internal Growths

You are undoubtedly aware that cancer can hide inside your body, on and in your organs, for months or years before finally being detected. Fortunately, cryotherapy is also helpful in some of those situations as well. Specifically, internal cryotherapy is performed by using an ultrasound or MRI to securely place a special kind of tube that applies liquid nitrogen to the affected area.

It should be pointed out that some growths, due to their number, complexity or size, cannot be removed with cryotherapy. In that instance, cryotherapy can often be combined with radiation, surgery, or chemotherapy to treat the problem. The images doctors use for the process are designed to limit unwanted exposure to the surround bones and tissue.  

It Can Even Treat Some Cancers Within Your Bones 

Cryotherapy is able to provide limited benefit to some bone cancers. It will be applied to the surface of a bone in a way similar to its use for other internal tumors. However, not all bone cancers are appropriate for treatment with cryotherapy, nor will it be equally effective for everyone.

Therefore, it is best to proceed with caution and to familiarize yourself with all of the treatment options before meeting with your physician.    

In conclusion, cryotherapy is a unique therapy that may be able to remove both cancerous growths and abnormal tumors from inside and outside your body. As a result, it will behoove you to discuss the benefits of cryotherapy with your oncologist as soon as possible.