Breast cancer is a major public health concern worldwide, affecting millions of people each year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “in 2022, there were 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer and 670 000 deaths globally.” Breast cancer is a cancer that develops in the cells of the breast. It is one of the most frequent cancers affecting women worldwide. Breast cancer treatment options are often determined by a number of factors, including the patient’s overall health, the stage of the illness, and the kind of breast cancer.
Breast cancer is commonly treated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. However, cryoablation, a minimally invasive method, is gaining popularity as a treatment option for breast cancer. This will be the primary subject of today’s article, in which we will learn about the key elements of cryoablation.
What Is Cryoablation?
Cryoablation is a medical treatment that employs extremely low temperatures to kill cancer cells. It is a minimally invasive procedure commonly used to treat small tumors in a variety of organs, including the breast.
Processes of Cryoablation
Applying freezing temperatures directly to the tumor is the first step. While causing the least amount of harm to the surrounding healthy tissue the cancer cells freeze and die as a result of this freezing process, also referred to as cryo-necrosis.
During the process, a thin probe is placed directly into the tumor using imaging techniques such as ultrasound or MRI.
The probe has one or more tiny cryoablation needles or applicators that transfer freezing gasses, such as liquid nitrogen or argon gas, to the tumor location. Once the probe is in place, the freezing gasses are released, resulting in an ice ball or ice zone around the probe’s tip.
The surrounding tissue is quickly cooled by the -20 to -160 degree Celsius freezing gasses. The cancer cells are successfully frozen by this ice ball, which results in necrosis (cell death). The cryoablation needles are taken out and the treated area is left to defrost naturally after the required freezing time. The region can be reduced as a result of tissue damage as the body’s immune system gradually absorbs the frozen tumor tissue.
What Are The Benefits of Cryoablation Over Traditional Treatment?
- Smaller incisions are made, which reduces scarring and speeds up healing.
- It preserves the breast’s natural form and look while enhancing cosmetic outcomes.
- It can be done as an outpatient operation, saving money overall and preventing hospital stays. Compared to standard surgery, most patients report less discomfort, which improves their comfort level throughout recuperation.
Is Cryoablation Right for Me?
It might be difficult to choose the best course of action for your circumstances when thinking about breast cancer treatment options. Regarding the decision of whether cryoablation is appropriate for you, your doctor will consider your individual needs, preferences, and desired course of therapy.
However, you should be aware that cryoablation is best suited for tiny tumors, often less than 2 cm in size. Tumor size, location (accessibility for probe insertion), and patient health (ability to tolerate the procedure) all have an impact on the treatment’s suitability.
Summary
Cryoablation is a promising option for some breast cancer patients, particularly those with tiny tumors seeking a less invasive treatment. However, whether it is appropriate for you is determined by your individual circumstances. It is important to consult with your doctor to determine whether cryoablation is appropriate for your situation. They can provide you with specialized guidance and support to help you make the best health decisions possible.
