Cryosurgery for Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer
Surgery Overview
Cryosurgery is the process of destroying a
skin cancer (lesion) by freezing it with liquid nitrogen. Liquid nitrogen is
applied to the lesion using a cotton applicator stick or an aerosol
spray.
The skin may first be numbed with a
local anesthetic. The liquid nitrogen is applied or
sprayed onto the cancer and the immediate surrounding tissue. The application
may be repeated. An antibiotic dressing may be applied to the wound.
Cryosurgery is often used to destroy precancerous skin lesions such as
actinic keratoses but is rarely used alone
(monotherapy) to treat skin cancer.
What To Expect After Surgery
An area where skin tissue has been
destroyed by freezing with liquid nitrogen usually heals in 3 to 6 weeks. After
the procedure, keep the wound clean and dry. A scab will form over the
area.
Why It Is Done
Cryosurgery is used more often for
precancerous growths such as
actinic keratoses than for skin cancer.
Cryosurgery is done to destroy skin cancer if:
- It is the first time a skin cancer has
developed in that specific area (primary lesion).
- There are
multiple skin cancers that need to be destroyed.
- You have a
bleeding disorder.
- You cannot, or do not want to, use another
procedure to remove a skin cancer.
How Well It Works
Cryosurgery is the treatment of choice for superficial actinic keratoses. And it often is successful in treating small lesions of squamous cell carcinoma in situ.1
If cryosurgery is used to treat skin cancer,
there is a small chance that the skin cancer will return after treatment. One
review of studies of basal cell skin cancer treated with cryosurgery found a
cure rate of over 90 out of 100 people.2
Risks
The risks of cryosurgery include:
- Scarring, including a white spot
(hypopigmentation).
- Pain or stinging during and after the
procedure.
- A longer recovery time than other procedures that remove
skin cancers.
- Infection.
What To Think About
Cryosurgery is an efficient
procedure if there are many skin cancers that need to be destroyed or
treated.
Cryosurgery wounds heal slowly and can be painful.
Cryosurgery destroys tissue, so there is no way to obtain a sample
(biopsy) for diagnosis.
Complete the surgery information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you prepare for this surgery.
References
Citations
- Habif TP (2010). Premalignant and malignant nonmelanoma skin tumors. In Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy, 5th ed., pp. 801–846. Edinburgh: Mosby Elsevier.
- Kokoszka A, Scheinfeld N (2003). Evidence-based review
of the use of cryosurgery in treatment of basal cell carcinoma. Dermatologic Surgery, (29)6: 566–570.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology |
|---|
| Last Revised | October 1, 2010 |
|---|
Last Revised:
October 1, 2010
Habif TP (2010). Premalignant and malignant nonmelanoma skin tumors. In Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy, 5th ed., pp. 801–846. Edinburgh: Mosby Elsevier.
Kokoszka A, Scheinfeld N (2003). Evidence-based review
of the use of cryosurgery in treatment of basal cell carcinoma. Dermatologic Surgery, (29)6: 566–570.
Seton is proud to have four hospitals – the only hospitals in Central Texas - that have earned the Magnet designation, the highest award for nursing excellence given by the American Nurses Association.