Definition of Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy: Literally, "cold
therapy." Cryotherapy, sometimes referred to as cryosurgery, is a procedure used
to destroy tissue of both benign and malignant lesions by the freezing and re-thawing process. Liquid nitrogen is the
most commonly used freezing source for cryotherapy. Examples of the uses of
cryotherapy in medicine are the treatment (removal) of various types of skin lesions , the treatment of dysplastic (precancerous) tissue of
the uterine cervix, and the treatment of some prostate cancers.
Another use of the term cryotherapy refers to the use of
ice or cold packs applied to a part of the body after an injury to reduce inflammation.
Last Editorial Review: 8/30/2006
- LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) - Learn about Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), a procedure done to remove abnormal tissues of the cervix. LEEP is used to treat mild to moderate dysplasia.
- Pinched Nerve - Read about the causes of a pinched nerve such as a herniated disc, arthritis, spinal stenosis, carpal tunnel syndrome and more. Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment information is included.
- Keloid - Read about keloids, tough, irregularly shaped scars that progressively enlarge. Keloid symptoms include dome-shaped, shiny, raised scars that may be itchy, even painful. Treatment for keloids may involve cortisone injections, laser, silicone sheets, and cryotherapy.
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