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.
At Manningham, we 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 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 help.
If you’re concerned about any skin condition, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with our specialists in Melbourne for a complete examination and personalised advice on our skin services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cryosurgery may cause some discomfort or a stinging sensation during the procedure, but it is generally well-tolerated. Local anaesthesia is often used to minimise any discomfort for the patient.
Patients may be instructed to fast for 12 hours before undergoing cryosurgery. Additionally, certain medications may need to be stopped before the treatment.
Alternatives to cryosurgery for treating skin conditions include surgical excision or topical treatments and electrocautery. The choice of treatment depends on factors such as the type of skin condition, its severity, and the patient’s health.
Several factors may make someone ineligible for cryosurgery, including:
- Certain medical conditions affect the body’s ability to heal properly.
- The location or size of the lesion, as cryosurgery, may not be suitable for large or deeply rooted lesions.
- Allergic reactions to the cryosurgery agents or anaesthesia.
- Poor circulation in the area to be treated.
- Skin conditions that make it difficult to assess the lesion’s boundaries accurately.
It’s essential to consult with a skin specialist to determine if cryosurgery is a suitable option based on individual cases.
Yes, cryosurgery can be used for cosmetic purposes to remove various skin imperfections such as warts, moles, skin tags, and certain types of benign tumours. However, it’s important to consult with a qualified doctor to determine if cryosurgery is the appropriate treatment option for specific concerns.