Cryotherapy of Cervical Cancer
Individuals diagnosed with cervical cancer should remain aware of the advanced medical treatments that now exist. You may have heard of the term «cryogenics» which is a branch of physics focused on studying the production of extremely low temperatures and the behaviour of materials at those temperatures. Well, cryotherapy is an advanced form of treatment based on the same principles. The process involves killing abnormal cervical cells by freezing them.
The actual procedure is very similar to a Pap smear; patients lie
down, sometimes with their feet in stirrups, while a doctor inserts a
special instrument called a «cryo probe» in their vagina.
The probe is firmly inserted until all abnormal areas of cervical
tissue are covered. Liquid nitrogen then flows through the tubes
at a temperature of approximately -50 degrees Celsius which causes the
metal probes to freeze. As a result, superficial abnormal cervical
tissue is destroyed. In most cases, the most effective method is
to freeze the cells for three minutes, wait until the cervix has thawed
and then repeat the treatment for an additional 3 minutes.
During the procedure, patients may encounter slight cramping similar to
menstruation pains. A sensation of cold or heat is also
common. After the procedure, patients may experience a light,
watery vaginal discharge that normally lasts for 2-3 weeks.
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This page was last updated:
April 22, 2006
It is not the intention of Cervicalcancer.org to provide specific medical advice, but rather to provide users with information to better understand their health and their diagnosed disorders. Specific medical advice will not be provided, and Cervicalcancer.org urges you to consult with a qualified physician for diagnosis and for answers to your personal questions.