Cryosurgery is a surgical procedure
that destroys tumor cells by freezing.
It is done in the doctors’ office
using ultrasound guidance to locate
the tumor. A needle (probe) is placed
directly into the tumor after the
skin is anesthetized, and a tumor-killing
temperature turns the tumor into an
ice ball. The procedure usually takes
about 30 minutes.
The body’s natural
immune system sends cells to the site
of the dead tumor tissue to dissolve
it. The tumor slowly shrinks as the
body absorbs the dead cells until
the process is complete.
What
are the benefits and risks of cryosurgery?
This procedure does not involve dissection
of the breast tissue and avoids the
scarring that would be present if
an open excision of the tumor were
done. There is less discomfort and
it is done in the office as an outpatient
procedure, reducing cost and inconvenience.
The risks are the same as they would
be for any procedure that involves
the insertion of a needle into the
breast, i.e., bleeding or infection,
etc. This is a uncommon under ultrasound-guidance.
How
do I know if cryosurgery is the right
procedure for me?
Currently cryosurgery is being done
only on benign (non-cancerous) tumors.
These are called “fibroadenomas”
and are caused by excess growth of
breast tissue. They can grow to the
size of an egg. They are common. Surgeons
in the United States remove approximately
500,000 fibroadenomas each year. They
are most common in women in their
20s and 30s. It is not medically essential
that fibroadenomas be removed, but
many women choose to have them removed
for various reasons, including the
development of pain, tenderness, and
a lump in the breast.
Where
is cryosurgery being done?
Darius S. Francescatti, M.D. is one
of only a few dedicated breast surgeons
who are presently offering this treatment
option. We are very excited about
the potential this procedure has to
meet the needs of women who want to
avoid the scarring and costs involved
with traditional methods of excision
of fibroadenomas.
