Cryoablation Specialist

Cryoablation is a treatment option for many cancers, but especially those that are inoperable or for patients who can’t tolerate surgery. Robert Donoway, MD, FACS, at Atlas Oncology has years of experience performing cryoablation to destroy many different types of cancer tumors. To learn more about this minimally invasive procedure or to schedule a consultation to talk about your cancer treatment options, call the office in Hollywood, Florida, or use the online booking tool.

Cryoablation Q & A

What is cryoablation?

Cryoablation literally means to destroy with cold. When used to treat malignant tumors, the extremely cold temperature produced by liquid nitrogen is used to freeze and destroy cancer cells.

When cryoablation is used to treat precancerous or cancerous skin lesions, liquid nitrogen is applied topically, either with a spraying device or swab. Cryoablation treats cancer inside your body using a hollow probe to deliver liquid nitrogen or argon gas to the targeted tumor.

Cryoablation is a good option when your cancer is inoperable or it has been treated once and returned. It’s also recommended for patients who aren’t good candidates for conventional surgery, whether due to their age or an underlying medical condition. 

What types of cancer are treated with cryoablation?

Dr. Donoway may recommend cryoablation for numerous types of cancer, using it alone or in combination with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery.

These are a few examples of cancers that may benefit from cryoablation:

• Prostate cancer
• Liver cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Lung cancer
• Bone cancer
• Breast cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Early-stage skin cancer

Cryoablation may be the primary treatment for men who have early-stage prostate cancer, but only when the cancer is confined to the prostate gland.

How is cryoablation performed for tumors inside my body?

Dr. Donoway uses ultrasound or MRI to see inside your body, monitor the procedure, and guide the placement of the cryoprobe. The probe is a long, slender, hollow tube that can be inserted directly through your skin.

As Dr. Donoway touches the probe to the tumor, it delivers liquid nitrogen or argon gas, which freezes and kills the cells. When the cells thaw, they’re naturally absorbed by your body. The process of freezing, thawing, then refreezing is usually repeated several times.

What are the advantages of cryoablation?

Cryoablation is less invasive than surgery, as the cryoprobe is inserted through your skin. This means you can avoid the pain, bleeding, and recovery time that come along with surgery. The procedure can also be repeated, if necessary.

The small probe used to deliver the liquid nitrogen gives Dr. Donoway the ability to specifically focus on the tumor and avoid damaging nearby tissues.

If you have any questions about cryoablation or other cancer treatments, call Atlas Oncology or use the online booking feature to schedule an appointment.