Cryotherapy (Cryosurgery)

Overview

This outpatient procedure uses liquid nitrogen, a freezing agent, to remove small lesions or growths on the skin. It is commonly used to treat benign growths, precancerous tissues, and less-severe cancers.

Treatment

After the skin is cleansed and sterilized, the physician treats the growth with liquid nitrogen, which can be sprayed or swabbed onto the skin. The liquid nitrogen freezes the growth within seconds, while leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed.

End of Procedure

The wound is bandaged, and over the next few days it will become red and swollen and a blister may form. As the skin heals, the treated tissue will dry up and fall off. Typically the skin is fully healed with four to six weeks, but some lesions can take longer.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.