Cryosurgery Procedure in Melbourne
Cryosurgery is a non-surgical procedure that involves applying cold liquid nitrogen or argon gas to an affected area, creating a localised frostbite that kills cancer cells or abnormal tissues. This minimally invasive procedure is commonly used to treat skin conditions, certain types of cancers, and other localised medical issues.
Your doctors are dedicated to providing personalised care and skin services, ensuring that each patient receives the most effective treatment tailored to their specific needs.
What Cryosurgery Is Used For?
Cryosurgery can be used to treat a wide range of skin issues, including but not limited to:
Cryosurgery for skin cancer
Cryosurgery for skin cancer is an effective treatment for certain types of skin cancer, such as Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma in situ, including Bowen’s; it is also ideal for certain precancerous skin conditions, such as actinic keratosis.
Skin Lesions and Cosmetic Concerns
The treatment can be used for
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Cryosurgery for warts
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Skin tag cryosurgery
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Cryosurgery for moles
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Actinic keratoses: Actinic keratoses (AK) are precancerous skin lesions resulting from prolonged sun exposure. These rough, scaly patches commonly appear on sun-exposed areas and, while not cancerous themselves, pose a risk of progressing to skin cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma. Seeking medical attention for evaluation and potential treatment, such as cryotherapy, is essential to manage the risk.
Precancerous Lesions
Cryosurgery can address precancerous lesions, preventing them from developing into full-blown skin cancers.
Other Tumours
Cryosurgery for cancer can be used for cancerous or noncancerous tumours in various parts of the body, including bone, kidney, and lung tumours.
*It’s important to note that while cryosurgery is beneficial for various skin conditions, for other health concerns that require procedures under general anaesthesia, it may be necessary to consult with a different specialist.
What to Expect?
Before the Procedure:
The consulting doctor will instruct you on the preparation for the day. The patient may need to fast for 12 hours before the treatment, and certain medications may need to be stopped.
The Day of the Treatment:
The cryosurgery treatment is safe and can be done with local anaesthesia for the patient’s comfort. To begin, the doctor administers the extreme cold – liquid nitrogen or argon gas – using either a cotton swab or a spraying device. For internal tumours, it may be necessary to use a cryosurgery machine called “Cryoprobe”, employed to freeze the affected tissue.
The Cryosurgery technique is versatile and can be repeated as needed, providing a tailored approach to each patient’s unique requirements.
The duration of the procedure varies depending on the size and number of spots being treated but typically takes around 10 minutes. Once you arrive at the appointment, you’ll be comfortably positioned, and the freezing agent will be applied to the affected area.
Experiencing some mild discomfort or a stinging sensation during the procedure is normal but generally well-tolerated.
Side Effects
- Scarring
- Loss of pigmentation
- Swelling
- Bleeding and blisters
- Loss of hair in the treatment area.
- Healing issues.
- Loss of sensation.
Cryosurgery Aftercare
The healing process typically takes one to two weeks; with the treatment completed, your specialist will advise on the aftercare process and if it’s necessary to do more treatments in the future.
To facilitate proper healing, it’s important not to scratch, rub, or irritate the treated area. Applying Vaseline can keep the area moisturised and protected, but apply it only if your doctor allows it.
Things to Consider:
After approximately four weeks, you should observe the emergence of normal skin at the treatment site. However, in some instances, changes in tissue texture and colouration may persist. Some areas may appear darker or lighter than the surrounding skin, and these changes can be permanent.
If you have concerns about the appearance of your skin after cryosurgery, don’t hesitate to consult with your doctor, who can guide you on potential solutions or alternative treatments.
Explore Our Skin Cancer Services
In addition to diathermy, Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic offers a range of skin cancer services, including:
Skin Check
Mole Mapping
Surgical Treatment
Non-Surgical Treatments
A Mole Check Can Save Your Lives
In Australia, 2 out of 3 people get diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70; that’s why early treatment is key to a successful outcome. Regular skin checks are essential for the early detection of potential issues. Here are some tips to identify early warning signs of skin cancer:
A – Asymmetry: Check if one half of the mole differs from the other.
B – Border: Look for irregular edges that are not well-defined.
C – Colour: Note any variations in the mole’s hue.
D – Diameter: Be cautious of moles larger than 6 millimetres.
E – Evolving: Watch for any changes in size, shape, colour, or other characteristics over time.
Need Cryosurgery in Australia?
Cryosurgery is a versatile and minimally invasive treatment option for various skin conditions. If you’re considering this procedure or have questions about its suitability for your specific case, we’re here to provide you with further information.
If you’re concerned about any skin condition, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with your specialist for a complete examination and personalised advice on skin services.
