Cryosurgery
Illustrations
Alternative names
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Cryotherapy
Definition
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Cryosurgery is a method of super-freezing tissue in order to destroy it. The technique is used to treat cancerous tumors, control pain, control bleeding, and reduce brain tumors.
Information
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The cold is introduced through a probe which has liquid nitrogen circulating through it. To destroy diseased tissue, the tissue is cooled to below -20 degrees Celsius. Other procedures that control pain or bleeding are cooled to a lesser degree to prevent tissue damage.
Update Date: 10/1/2003
Updated by: A.D.A.M. editorial.
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