Is Cryotherapy Effective for Skin Cancer Treatment?
Any type of cancer diagnosis can be life-altering, and knowing what treatment options are available to you goes a long way in helping your recovery journey go as smoothly as possible.
At Keys Dermatology, our skin cancer experts in Key West and Islamorada are well-versed in early diagnosis, which gives you the greatest number of treatment options and successful recovery.
One noninvasive option for treating skin cancer, precancerous cells, and other skin growths is cryotherapy. Here’s what you need to know.
How Does Skin Cancer Cryotherapy Work?
Cryotherapy for skin cancer destroys abnormal skin cells and helps to prevent cancer from spreading. It uses a highly targeted application of liquid nitrogen to kill cancerous and precancerous tissue.
The procedure is typically quick, often lasting only a few minutes, and well-tolerated by most patients. Though it is relatively low pain, you may experience a stinging or burning sensation. After the treatment, the treated area may blister, scab, and eventually fall off, revealing new, healthy skin underneath. It's normal to experience some redness, swelling, and mild discomfort, which usually subsides within a few days.
Follow-up care includes keeping the area clean and protected while it heals, and attending any recommended follow-up appointments to ensure successful treatment.
Am I a Good Candidate for Skin Cancer Cryosurgery?
Cryotherapy, also known as cryosurgery, is typically most effective for precancerous skin lesions like actinic keratoses, and early stages of non-melanoma skin cancers. When cancer is detected early enough and it hasn’t spread to deeper layers of tissue or other organs, it can easily be resolved using cryotherapy or a combination of cryotherapy and other interventions.
The success rate for cryotherapy in treating squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and basal cell carcinomas (BCC) ranges from 85% to 95%. This can vary based on the size, type, and location of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health.
If you are experiencing recurrent skin cancer, or other health factors like bleeding disorders, diabetes, or slow wound healing, cryosurgery may not be the best option for you. Our experts at Keys Dermatology can help you make the right decision for your recovery journey.
Other skin cancer treatment options available through Keys Dermatology include:
- Topical medications
- Mohs surgery
- Immunotherapy
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
If you or someone you love have received a skin cancer diagnosis, or you have a concerning mole or growth, please don’t wait to book your appointment at Keys Dermatology. Early detection and intervention is crucial for the best possible outcome. Once skin cancer advances into later stages or metastasizes into other tissues, organs, or bones, it becomes significantly more difficult to treat.
To schedule your skin cancer screening or consultation about treatment options, call (305) 664-8828, or use our convenient online scheduler to book an appointment that works for your schedule.
