Cryotherapy

Alternative names
Cryosurgery

Definition
Cryosurgery is a method of super-freezing tissue in order to destroy it. The technique is used to treat cancerous tumors, control pain, control bleeding, and reduce brain tumors.

Information
The cold is introduced through a probe which has liquid nitrogen circulating through it. To destroy diseased tissue, the tissue is cooled to below -20 degrees Celsius. Other procedures that control pain or bleeding are cooled to a lesser degree to prevent tissue damage.

Johns Hopkins patient information

Last revised: December 4, 2012
by Janet G. Derge, M.D.

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