What Is Cryosurgery for Skin Cancer and How Does It Work?

If you've been told you have skin cancer, you may feel overwhelmed by your choices. One lesser-known but highly effective method is cryosurgery. But what is cryosurgery, and how does it work as a skin cancer treatment?

Cryosurgery uses extreme cold (created by liquid nitrogen) to destroy abnormal or cancerous tissue. It's often used for early-stage basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

At Clear Lake Dermatology, our experienced specialists are proud to offer cryosurgery for skin cancer. It's just one part of our comprehensive care options for patients in the Greater Houston area. Read more below or call to book a consultation in League City or Webster, TX.

Understanding cryosurgery

So, what is cryosurgery? This minimally invasive procedure involves using liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy cancer cells. The extremely cold temperature is what kills the abnormal cells.

Some quick facts about cryosurgery for skin cancer:

• It's often done in an outpatient setting, meaning you can go home the same day
• It's usually a quick procedure, lasting just a few minutes
• It's nonsurgical, so there's no need for incisions or stitches
• It has a high success rate for treating early-stage skin cancer

The advantages of cryosurgery

Cryosurgery offers several advantages over other forms of skin cancer treatment. Here are some key benefits:

• Less invasive: As mentioned, cryosurgery doesn't require any incisions or stitches. This means less trauma to your skin and a faster recovery.
• Minimal scarring: Because there are no incisions, cryosurgery typically results in minimal scarring. This can be important if the cancer is in highly visible areas.
• Preservation of healthy tissue: With cryosurgery, only the targeted cancer cells are destroyed, leaving surrounding healthy tissue unharmed. There is less potential damage to your skin.

Who should get cryosurgery?

While cryosurgery may not be suitable for everyone, it can be an excellent choice for early-stage basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. A consultation at Clear Lake Dermatology will help determine if cryosurgery is an option.

During this appointment in League City or Webster, TX, our specialists will examine your skin and review your medical history. We then create a custom treatment plan that aligns with your unique needs and goals. Our specialists can also review basal cell carcinoma photos and squamous cell carcinoma photos if you're unsure about your diagnosis.

What to expect during and after cryosurgery for skin cancer

The procedure is generally quick and virtually pain-free. Our team will begin by applying liquid nitrogen to the affected area. You may feel some mild discomfort, but it typically subsides quickly.

Afterward, you may experience some redness, swelling, or crusting at the site of the cancerous cells. This is normal and should go away within a few weeks. It's also essential to keep the area clean and dry while it heals to avoid infection.

We recommend scheduling a follow-up appointment with our specialists to monitor healing progress and ensure that cancer cells were successfully removed.

Review squamous cell carcinoma photos and more

So, what is cryosurgery, and how does it work as a skin cancer treatment? At Clear Lake Dermatology, our specialists are more than happy to answer questions and discuss your options. From early-stage basal cell carcinoma symptoms to basal cell carcinoma photos, we have you covered. Contact us in League City or Webster, TX, and let's work together toward healthy, radiant skin.