Cryotherapy Health Article

Normal results

Some redness, swelling, blistering and oozing of fluid are all common results of cryotherapy. Healing time can vary by the site treated and the cryotherapy technique used. When cryogen is applied directly to the growth, healing may occur in three weeks. Growths treated on the head and neck with the spray technique may take four to six weeks to heal; growths treated on other areas of the body may take considerably longer. Cryotherapy boasts high success rates in permanently removing skin growths; even for malignant lesions such as squamous cell and basal cell cancers, studies have shown a cure rate of up to 98%. For certain types of growths, such as some forms of warts, repeat treatments over several weeks are necessary to prevent the growth's return.

Abnormal results

Although cryotherapy is a relatively low risk procedure, some side effects may occur as a result of the treatment. They include:

• Infection. Though uncommon, infection is more likely on the lower legs where healing can take several months.
• Pigmentary changes. Both hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin) and hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) are possible after cryotherapy. Both generally last a few months, but can be longer lasting.
• Nerve damage. Though rare, damage to nerves is possible, particularly in areas where they lie closer to the surface of the skin, such as the fingers, the wrist, and the area behind the ear. Reports suggest this will disappear within several months.

BOOKS

Lynch, Peter J., and W. Mitchell Sams Jr. Principles and Practice of Dermatology. 2nd ed. New York: Churchill Livingstone, 1996.

Roenigk, Randall K., and Henry H. Roenigk Jr. Roenigk and Roenigk's Dermatologic Surgery: Principles and Practice. New York: Marcel Dekker, 1996.

PERIODICALS

Jester, David M. "Cryotherapy of Dermal Abnormalities." Primary Care 24 (June 1997): 269-280.

Young, R., and R. Sinclair. "Practical Cryosurgery." Australian Family Physician 26 (Sept. 1997): 1045-1047.

ORGANIZATIONS

American Academy of Dermatology. 930 N. Meacham Road, P.O. Box 4014, Schaumburg, IL 60168-4014. (847) 330-0230. <http://www.aad.org>.

American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. 930 N. Meacham Road, P.O. Box 4014, Schaumburg, IL 60168-4014. (847) 330-9830. <http://www.asds-net.org>.

Richard H. Camer

KEY TERMS

Actinic keratosis—A crusty, scaly pre-cancerous skin lesion caused by damage from the sun. Frequently treated with cryotherapy.

Basal cell cancer—The most common form of skin cancer; it usually appears as one or several nodules having a central depression. It rarely spreads (metasticizes), but is locally invasive.

Cryogen—A substance with a very low boiling point, such as liquid nitrogen, used in cryotherapy treatment.

Melanoma—The most dangerous form of skin cancer. It should not be treated with cryotherapy, but should be removed surgically instead.

Squamous cell cancer—A form of skin cancer that usually originates in sun-damaged areas or preexisting lesions; at first local and superficial, it may later spread to other areas of the body.