Recognize What is Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a medical procedure used to treat various types of tumors, both benign (non-cancerous), precancerous, or malignant (cancerous) tumors, which are located on the surface or in organs in the body. This procedure uses a special fluid that can freeze and kill tumor cells. The process of administering the special fluid can be by spraying or wiping, depending on the location and size of the tumor. Patients must first consult with a doctor, because there are several conditions that do not allow patients to do cryotherapy. There is also a similar procedure called whole body cryotherapy (WBC) or comprehensive cryotherapy. This comprehensive cryotherapy is believed to be able to treat asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and reduce weight. However, there are no studies that clearly explain the effectiveness of comprehensive cryotherapy.

Cryotherapy Indications

Cryotherapy is used to treat various types of tumors, ranging from benign (non-cancerous), precancerous, to malignant (cancerous) tumors. Considerations for cryotherapy will be assessed by a doctor, depending on the type and severity of the tumor. Some conditions that can be treated with cryotherapy include:

• Retinoblasma.
• Basal cell carcinoma.
• Squamous cell carcinoma.
• Prostate cancer.
• Solar keratosis, a rough and scaly lesion caused by years of sun exposure and commonly found on the face, lips or ears.

Cryotherapy can also be used to treat tumors found in the bones. Management of tumors in the bones using cryotherapy has a lower risk in terms of causing joint damage or amputation, when compared with surgical treatment. The doctor can also use cryotherapy as a treatment method for other conditions not listed above. Before undergoing cryotherapy, be sure to discuss it with your doctor about the benefits and risks that will be obtained. Warning There are several conditions that do not allow a person to undergo cryotherapy, namely:

• Allergy to cold.
• Raynaud's disease.
• Cryoglobulinemia, a condition in which there are cryoglobulin substances in the blood that can cause inflammation, generally in the kidneys or skin.

Cryotherapy can have different side effects, depending on the location and size of the tumor. For example, in patients suffering from tumors or prostate cancer, side effects of cryotherapy procedures can be in the form of impotence or loss of sexual function. Cryotherapy for pregnant or nursing mothers should be consulted with a doctor first. The doctor will consider the comparison of benefits and risks to the womb and the fetus, to determine whether or not cryotherapy is necessary. Also tell your doctor if you have a history of allergies to anesthesia or are using other medicines, including supplements and herbal products.

Cryotherapy preparation

The preparation that needs to be done before undergoing the cryotherapy procedure can vary depending on the conditions to be treated. But in general, cryotherapy only requires simple preparation. For handling internal organs, such as the prostate, the doctor will ask the patient to fast for 12 hours in advance. Patients are also encouraged to invite family or relatives to accompany and take them home after the procedure.

Cryotherapy Procedure

Cryotherapy procedures vary depending on the location and size of the tumor. If cryotherapy is used to treat tumors on the skin, then the treatment will be done by spraying or wiping the tumor using a special liquid containing nitrogen. The liquid is used to freeze and kill tumor cells. To treat tumors in internal organs, the doctor will first administer anesthetics, both local and total. The administration of anesthesia or anesthesia aims to relieve pain when the doctor makes an incision or hole which is the entry point for the instrument used in this procedure. Next, the doctor will do a scan to find out the location and size of the tumor. After the size and location of the tumor are known, the doctor will make an incision or hole that is used to enter the cryoprobe. Cryoprobe is a special tool in the form of a small tube for spraying liquid nitrogen, which functions to kill tumor cells. The process of spraying liquids is generally done more than once, and can take several minutes or hours, depending on the conditions being handled. Endoscopy is also often used as a supporting procedure in cryotherapy, to make it easier for doctors to see the condition of the organ being treated.

After cryotherapy

Prompts that need to be followed after the procedure can vary. In patients with tumors on the surface of the body, it is usually allowed to go home after the procedure is complete. However, in patients with tumors in internal organs, the doctor will recommend hospitalization until the condition heals. During the stay, the doctor will perform direct treatment and supervision, to restore the patient's condition after cryotherapy. The recovery time will also vary. Tumors on the skin generally recover in 4-6 weeks. However, if the tumor is large, recovery time can last up to 14 weeks. To help with recovery, the doctor will advise the patient to:

• Keep the wound clean. Keep your scars clean by carefully washing them with soap and water.
• Bandage. Bandages are used to protect scars from dust or other dirt. Bandages should be changed regularly, especially when they look dirty or wet.
• Drug. The doctor can also prescribe antibiotics or corticosteroids. Antibiotics are given to prevent infection, and corticosteroids are given to reduce redness, pain and swelling in the scar.

Risk of Cryotherapy

Although considered to be a smaller risk when compared with other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, cryotherapy still risks causing side effects. Side effects that occur can vary from person to person, depending on the location and size of the tumor being treated. Some side effects of cryotherapy include:

• Damage to healthy organ or cell tissue.
• Infection of the scar.
• Sexual dysfunction.
• Pain.
• Blistered skin.
• Boils.
• Bleeding.
• Alopecia or bald.
• Hypopigmentation.

Cryotherapy can also cause various other side effects. It would be better if the patient conducts routine checks to the doctor, so that his condition can be monitored thoroughly.