Powered By
Cryoablation is a 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.
More established 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.
Sign up to view the results!
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Email
Cryoablation exposes tissues to very cold temperatures. The freezing temperatures cause ice to form around abnormal tissues, such as tumors, destroying the cells. Tissue is then allowed to thaw.
Two freeze-thaw cycles are often needed to treat desmoid tumors. Each cycle usually involves 10 minutes of freezing followed by five minutes of thawing.
The procedure involves inserting a special needle called a “cryoprobe” into the tumor. The cryoprobe releases a very cold gas (such as argon) or liquid nitrogen to freeze and kill the tumor cells.
The treatment is a type of ablation — a procedure that removes or destroys tissue. It can be performed using various techniques, depending on the tumor’s size and location.
Percutaneous cryoablation is often used for desmoid tumors. Percutaneous means that it’s performed “through the skin.” This technique is minimally invasive and uses imaging to guide the cryoprobe through the skin and directly into the tumor.
Surgical cryoablation combines cryoablation with traditional surgery. During the procedure, a surgeon uses a cryoprobe to freeze and destroy the tumor tissue.
This method can be helpful 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.
Cryoablation may be considered instead of medical therapies, particularly if an individual is not interested in medical treatment or when medical therapies have been unsuccessful. It can be an effective treatment option for certain types of desmoid tumors, but it’s important to note that tumors can sometimes recur after cryoablation.
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.
Certain types of desmoid tumors are more likely to be treated effectively with cryoablation, including those that:
Not all tumors are suitable for cryoablation, but this treatment is generally considered for desmoid tumors that meet certain criteria.
Easily Accessible TumorsTumors in locations that are easily reachable by cryoprobe are more likely to be suitable for cryoablation. Tumors in these areas can be accessed without risk to surrounding structures.
Symptomatic TumorsDesmoid tumors causing symptoms, such as pain or functional limitations, may be more likely to benefit from cryoablation. By directly targeting and destroying the problematic tissue, treatment may help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
Inaccessible TumorsSurgery for desmoid tumors can be risky or challenging, especially when tumors are located near vital structures — such as blood vessels or organs. In these cases, cryoablation may be a viable alternative.
As a less invasive option, it can target and destroy the tumor while minimizing the risk of damage to surrounding tissues. Make sure you’ve also discussed medical therapy options with your care team.
Recurring TumorsFor people whose desmoid tumors have returned after treatment, cryoablation may offer an alternative treatment option. The procedure may also be repeated if the tumor recurs again.
Tumors in People Who Aren’t Eligible for SurgeryCryoablation may be 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 its associated symptoms without the need for more aggressive surgical interventions.
Again, it’s important to discuss medical therapy options as well as cryoablation.
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.
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 healthcare team about any medications you’re taking or allergies you have.
The procedure can last from one to several hours. How long it takes will depend 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 due to the tumor’s location or your level of comfort.
Depending on the type of 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. Imaging tests such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used to guide the cryoprobe 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.
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.
Many people experience mild soreness and bruising at the treatment site. These reactions 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 the tumor may have returned.
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.
Cryoablation offers several potential benefits for treating desmoid tumors. One advantage of cryoablation is its minimally invasive nature, which generally leads to faster recovery times and fewer complications compared with traditional surgery.
Additionally, because cryoablation targets the tumor cells directly, there is less damage to surrounding healthy tissues. It’s also easier to repeat 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 isn’t without risks. Possible complications may include:
It’s important to discuss the potential benefits and risks with your healthcare team to determine if cryoablation is the right treatment option for you.
Get updates directly to your inbox.
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Email
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Email
Become a member to get even more
Join
Your Privacy Choices
This is a member-feature!
Sign up for free to view article comments.
I had Cryoablation done at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN in 12/21 and again in 10/22. So far the second time was the charm. I have been (almost) pain-free and able to function and live a normal… read more
We'd love to hear from you! Please share your name and email to post and read comments.
You'll also get the latest articles directly to your inbox.