In order to bring you the best possible user experience, this site uses Javascript. If you are seeing this message, it is likely that the Javascript option in your browser is disabled. For optimal viewing of this site, please ensure that Javascript is enabled for your browser.
 EMAIL TO FRIEND     |      PRINTER FRIENDLY     |    
          advertisement

Cryotherapy

- Summary
- About cryotherapy
- Before, during and after
- Potential benefits and risks
- Ongoing research
- Questions for your doctor

Reviewed By:
Mark Oren, M.D., FACP
Martin E. Liebling, M.D., FACP

Summary

Cryotherapy is the use of cold to treat medical conditions. A form of this treatment known as cryosurgery increasingly is being used to treat various forms of cancer. In this treatment, extremely cold liquid nitrogen (or argon gas) is applied to the tumor to destroy the abnormal tissue.

In the past, cryosurgery Prostate cancer is a cancer of the prostate gland and one of the most common cancers found in men.has been used for treatment of precancerous skin lesions, moles and skin cancers. With advanced technology, this freezing technique has expanded to be effective treatment of cervical, prostate and liver cancer. Currently research is being conducted to determine its effectiveness in treating other cancers, including breast, lung and brain cancers.

Cryotherapy has several advantages over other forms of cancer treatment. These include limited destruction of healthy tissues and flexibility to repeat the procedure if necessary. However, the long-term effectiveness of cryotherapy remains largely unknown. As a result, many physicians consider it to be an experimental treatment for certain cancers.

page 1 of 6 | Next Page




Review Date: 06-06-2007

Being an Empowered Patient

Patient responsibility and what we need to do to make sure we become Empowered Patients.

Cancer: How close to a cure?

Fortune's Clifton Leaf and Dr. Snyderman discuss the latest cancer research.

Sneeze No More

Sneeze No More

You’ll find it easy to avoid allergies.

Love the outdoors again
advertisement
advertisement
Home  |  Health Centers  |  Health A-Z  |  Staying Healthy  |  Diet & Fitness  |  Woman & Family  |  Pregnancy  |  Community

also on iVillage: Pregnancy & Parenting  |  Beauty & Style  |  Home & Garden  |  Food  |  Weddings  |  Love  |  Entertainment

Terms of Service  |  Privacy Policy  |  Site Map  |  Newsletters  |  Feedback

Copyright (c) 2000-2008 iVillage Inc. All rights reserved. The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.