Cryoablation is an emerging treatment that freezes tumors without the need for invasive surgery. This procedure is sometimes used for treating desmoid tumors.

Surgery was previously a first-line option for treating desmoid tumors, but they would often recur (return). Cryoablation provides a minimally invasive alternative, using extreme cold to precisely destroy tumor tissue. Other alternatives to surgery include active surveillance (periodic monitoring of the tumor) and medical therapies, such as targeted therapies or chemotherapy.

In this article, we’ll explain what cryoablation is, when it might be used for desmoid tumors, and what to expect from the procedure.

What Is Cryoablation?

Cryoablation is a medical treatment that uses very cold temperatures to destroy abnormal tissues, such as tumors. The process involves inserting a special needle called a “cryoprobe” into the tumor. The cryoprobe then releases a very cold gas, such as liquid nitrogen or argon gas, to freeze and kill the tumor cells. This type of ablation (procedure that removes or destroys tissue) can be performed using various techniques, depending on the tumor’s size and location.

Percutaneous Cryoablation

Percutaneous cryoablation is often used for desmoid tumors. The word “percutaneous” means “through the skin.” This technique is minimally invasive and uses imaging guidance to guide the cryoprobe through the skin and directly into the tumor.

Surgical Cryoablation

Surgical cryoablation combines cryoablation with traditional surgery. During the procedure, a surgeon uses a cryoprobe to freeze and destroy the tumor tissue. This method is beneficial for removing tumors that are difficult to access or too large for percutaneous cryoablation. It also allows for direct visualization and treatment while potentially reducing the impact on surrounding body parts.

When Is Cryoablation Used for Desmoid Tumors?

Cryoablation can be an effective treatment option for certain types of desmoid tumors — particularly those that:

• Are painful — Cryoablation can target and destroy painful tumor tissues, providing relief from discomfort.
• Are growing rapidly — This procedure is effective at halting the progression of tumors that are increasing in size quickly.
• Cause functional problems due to their location — If a tumor is interfering with normal bodily functions, cryoablation can help alleviate these issues by precisely targeting and reducing the tumor size.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a desmoid tumor, it’s important to consult with a desmoid tumor specialist. They can provide personalized advice and determine the best treatment plan for your specific situation.

Here are some specific circumstances in which cryoablation might be considered.

Inaccessible Tumors

Surgery for desmoid tumors can be risky or challenging, especially when they are located near vital structures such as blood vessels or organs. In these cases, cryoablation may be a viable alternative, offering a less invasive option to target and destroy the tumor while minimizing the risk of damage to surrounding tissues.

Recurring Tumors

For people whose desmoid tumors have returned after treatment, cryoablation offers an alternative treatment option that can be repeated if the tumor recurs again.

Painful Tumors

Cryoablation can be particularly beneficial for tumors causing significant pain. By targeting and freezing the tumor, this procedure aims to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Tumors in People Who Aren’t Eligible for Surgery

Cryoablation is an option for people who cannot undergo surgery due to medical conditions or advanced age. Its minimally invasive approach poses fewer risks and is generally well tolerated. This procedure can help manage tumor growth and associated symptoms without the need for more aggressive surgical interventions.

Types of Tumors Suitable for Cryoablation

Not all tumors are suitable for cryoablation, but this treatment is generally considered for desmoid tumors that meet certain criteria, including the following:

• Localized — Tumors confined to one area without spreading to multiple regions are ideal candidates for cryoablation. Desmoid tumors that are well defined and limited to a specific location can be effectively targeted by this procedure.
• Easily accessible — Tumors located outside of the abdomen (stomach area) or in locations that are easily reachable by the cryoprobe are more likely to be suitable for cryoablation. These include areas where the tumor can be accessed without risk to surrounding structures.
• Symptomatic — Desmoid tumors causing symptoms such as pain or functional limitations may be more likely to benefit from cryoablation. This treatment can help alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life by directly targeting and destroying the problematic tissue.

What To Expect From Cryoablation for Desmoid Tumors

Cryoablation is usually well tolerated and allows most people to return home the same day. Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure.

Preparing for Cryoablation for Desmoid Tumor

Your doctor may perform blood tests or imaging tests to guide the procedure. You also may be asked to fast for a few hours before the procedure. You should inform your health care team about any medications you’re taking or allergies you have.

Undergoing Cryoablation for Desmoid Tumor

The procedure can last from one to several hours, depending on the size and location of your desmoid tumor. During the procedure, you will lie still on an examination table. You may receive local anesthesia to numb the area. Sometimes general anesthesia or sedation is used, depending on the tumor’s location and your level of comfort. Depending on the anesthesia used, you may be awake or asleep. You might feel some pressure or discomfort at the insertion site.

When the procedure begins, the thin, needlelike cryoprobe is carefully inserted through the skin and directed into the tumor. Ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests are used to guide the placement of the cryoprobe accurately into the tumor.

Once inserted, the cryoprobe releases extremely cold gas, creating ice crystals within the tumor cells. The tumor is typically frozen and thawed multiple times to ensure the entire tumor is treated.

The medical team will monitor the procedure in real time using imaging techniques to ensure the entire tumor is treated.

Recovering From Cryoablation for Desmoid Tumor

After the procedure, you will be monitored to make sure that there are no immediate complications before you’re allowed to go home. Most people go home the same day.

Most people experience mild soreness and bruising at the treatment site, which should go away within a few days. Pain is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.

You can typically resume normal activities within a week. Difficult or strenuous activities should be avoided until your doctor gives you the go-ahead.

Regular follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor the treated area and make sure the tumor has been effectively managed. Imaging tests help to determine the success of the cryoablation procedure and check for any signs that tumor may have returned.

Outcomes for Treating Desmoid Tumors With Cryoablation

Cryoablation has shown promising results in managing desmoid tumors, particularly for reducing pain and controlling tumor growth. Studies have indicated that it can be an effective alternative to surgery, especially for tumors that are difficult to remove surgically or have returned after previous treatments.

Potential Risks and Benefits of Treating Desmoid Tumors With Cryoablation

Cryoablation offers several potential benefits for treating desmoid tumors. One advantage of cryoablation is its minimally invasive nature, which generally leads to quick recovery times and fewer complications compared to traditional surgery.

Additionally, because cryoablation targets the tumor cells directly, there is less damage to surrounding health tissues. It is also more easily repeatable than surgery. This means that if the tumor returns or if multiple tumors are present, the procedure can be done again.

However, like all medical procedures, cryoablation is not without risks. Possible complications may include:

• Nerve injury
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Damage to nearby structures
• Incomplete tumor destruction

It’s important to discuss the potential benefits and risks with your health care team to determine if cryoablation is the right treatment option for you.

Current and Future Uses of Cryoablation for Desmoid Tumors

Cryoablation is a relatively new treatment option for desmoid tumors. Ongoing research aims to better understand its long-term effectiveness as part of a combined treatment approach. For instance, clinical trials are exploring the combination of cryoablation with new medications like nirogacestat (Ogsiveo). This medication treats desmoid tumors by inhibiting certain growth pathways.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyDesmoidTumorTeam is the social network for people with desmoid tumors and their loved ones. On MyDesmoidTumorTeam, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with desmoid tumors.

Do you have questions about cryoablation for treating desmoid tumors? Have you or a loved one received cryoablation therapy for treating a desmoid tumor? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.