Cryosurgery used in the treatment of several forms of cancer, and certain precancerous or noncancerous conditions.
Other than prostate and liver tumors, cryosurgery can be an effective treatment for the following conditions:
- Retinoblastoma, which is a childhood cancer that impacts the retina of the eye
- Physicians have found that cryosurgery is most successful when the tumor is small and located in specific areas of the retina
- Early-stage skin cancers, both basal cell, and squamous cell carcinomas
- Precancerous cervical conditions called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, which refers to the abnormal changes in the cervix that can potentially develop into cervical cancer
In addition, cryosurgery is used in the treatment of certain low-grade cancerous and noncancerous bone tumors.
It may mitigate the risk of joint damage in comparison to more extensive surgery as well as lessen the need for amputation. This treatment is used for AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma as well when the skin lesions are localized and small.
Researchers are assessing cryosurgery as a treatment for various cancers such as colon, breast, and kidney cancer. They are also evaluating cryotherapy administered along with other cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, or surgery.
Board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness and Jackie McGinness, FNP (Nurse Practitioner) provide advanced skin care procedures to patients in Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and surrounding locations.
In what circumstances can cryosurgery be used to treat prostate cancer? What are the side effects of the treatment?
Cryosurgery can be used in the treatment of early-stage prostate cancer that is limited to the prostate gland. In comparison to standard prostatectomy and various forms of radiation therapy, it is less well established. The long term effects are not known.
As it is effective only in small areas, cryosurgery is not used in the treatment of prostate cancer that has spread outside the gland, or to distant areas of the body.
Certain benefits of cryosurgery are that the procedure can be repeated and can be used to treat males who cannot undergo radiation therapy or surgery due to their age and health issues.
Cryosurgery for the prostate gland can lead to side effects. These side effects may develop more frequently in men who have undergone prostate radiation therapy.
Cryosurgery may cause an obstruction in urine flow or incontinence, which is the lack of control over urine flow. However, these side effects are often temporary. Many men lose sexual function (impotence). Sometimes, surgery may have injured the rectum.
In which cases can cryosurgery be used to treat primary liver cancer or liver metastases (cancer that has spread to another part from the liver)? What are the side effects?
Cryosurgery may be used in the treatment of primary liver cancer that has not spread to other areas of the body, especially if surgery is not an option due to other health conditions. In addition, the treatment may also be used for cancer that has spread from the liver to another area, such as the rectum or colon.
Sometimes chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy may be used before or after cryosurgery. Cryosurgery in the liver may damage the bile ducts and/or significant blood vessels, which can cause infection or hemorrhage (heavy bleeding).
Board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness and Jackie McGinness, FNP (Nurse Practitioner) receive patients from Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and nearby areas for safe and proven skin care treatments.
If you would like to learn more about procedures and treatments at Metro East Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center by Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Jamie L. McGinness please contact us here or call (618) 622-SKIN (7546)
Taking new patients in and around the greater St. Louis, Missouri and Illinois area: East St. Louis Missouri, Shiloh Illinois, Belleville, Millstadt, Saint Clair County, Madison County and more.