Learn about Cryotherapy

Posted: Sept. 1, 2004

An exciting development in prostate cancer treatment has occurred with cryosurgery, which is more aptly called "cryotherapy" today. Because it is minimally invasive, prostate cancer cryotherapy has fewer complications than surgery.

The goal of cryotherapy is to eradicate prostate cancer by freezing the prostate cells. The doctor inserts needles into the prostate gland through the area between the scrotum and anus. The needles produce very cold temperatures. Freezing destroys the entire prostate, including cancerous tissue.

The latest generation of cryotherapy uses ultra-thin needles to produce iceballs of extreme sub-zero temperatures. The doctor uses ultrasound to precisely guide insertion of the needles and monitor the freezing.

Cryotherapy for prostate cancer can be repeated, and it can also be used as a secondary treatment when other primary treatments fail.

SOURCE: Prostate Cancer Institute

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