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Cryosurgery FAQs
What is cryosurgery?
a: Cryosurgery is the use of extreme cold produced by nitrous oxide gas (or,
in specific instances, liquid nitrogen) to destroy diseased tissue. The
nitrous oxide or liquid nitrogen are circulated through a special instrument
called a cryoprobe. The cryoprobe is fitted with a variety of specialized
bi-metallic tips that allow contact with and penetration of the tumor. The
super-cold probe freezes and destroys the immediate and nearby cells. After
cryosurgery, the frozen tissue sloughs off and, in most cases, is replaced
partially or completely with healthier scar tissue. Think of cryosurgery as
controlled frostbite.
What are Indications for Use of Cryosurgery?
A: Indications:
- Oral cancers including squamous cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma/melanosarcoma, epulis/ acanthotamous epulis and fibrosarcoma.
- Tongue tumors are included as very treatable.
- Mast cell tumors including those on toes or paw pads, or when large on the extremities as an alternative to amputation.
- Peri-anal adenomas and carcinomas Anal gland tumors that have exteriorized or are palpably close to the surface.
- Almost any cutaneous tumor type where the tumor has exteriorized.
- Eyelid tumors.
- Tail and tail-base tumors.
- Intra-urinary bladder cancers (specifically transitional cell carcinomas) that cannot be de-bulked conventionally. These
would include cancers adjacent to or involving the trigone and/or the neck of the bladder and proximal urethra.
- Sinus and nasal cancers (in conjunction with initial de-bulking with conventional surgery).
- Tumors of the jaw.
Compare Cryosurgery vs. Amputation or Radiation
A: When pet owners do not feel that conventional treatment techniques such amputation or radiation are appropriate for
their animals, or when conventional surgery is not an option, cryosurgery, as employed by Smith Ridge Veterinary Center,
offers a viable treatment choice for a variety of cancers, including oral, rectal and nasal tumors and some mast cell tumors.
What are the Advantages of Cryosurgery?
A: Cryosurgery can be:
- used when conventional surgery is not possible due to lack of accessibility, the likelihood of significant nerve/tissue damage and/or adequate closure would not be possible.
- less invasive and thus minimized pain, bleeding and complications.
- shorter surgical time and less anesthesia. Minor procedures can often be done using local anesthesia only.
- safely repeated if necessary and can be used in conjunction with standard surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
- used on animals who are not good candidates for conventional surgery due to age or other medical conditions
What are the Disadvantages of Cryosurgery?
- Cryosurgery is effective in reaching tissue the veterinarian can see, but it can miss microscopic cancer
spread. This may result in the need for repeat cryosurgery, or in metastasis—a generalized spread of the cancer to other parts of the body.
- The surgical site will slough the destroyed tissue for about 7 to 10 days, so
you will need an easy to clean area in your home where your pet can stay for
post-op care and recovery.
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