Cryotherapy
What is Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is a procedure that uses freezing temperatures to treat a variety of different issues. Cryotherapy can be used to kill off nerves that might be causing pain but it can also be used to treat abnormal cells in diseases such as cancer. Cryotherapy doctors can use the procedure to slow down the effect of chronic diseases by reducing the amount that cells grow and reproduce. As a potentially life saving or life lengthening treatment, it’s important that you find the best rated cryotherapy treatment in London. Doctify will guide you to a team of top cryotherapy experts who will carefully assess your needs and target your issue accordingly.
It is used to decrease cell growth and reproduction, increase cell survival, decrease inflammation and pain and promote vessels constriction. At freezing temperatures, it can crystalize the liquid found inside cells (cytosol).
When should I get Cryotherapy?
Do you suffer from painful nerves in your back, neck or legs or do you have chronic illness? Cryotherapy could be the solution to your problem and is proven to work on a range of different ailments. The best cryotherapy doctors in London are available to book at Doctify, so why not understand the benefits of this treatment for yourself? Using freezing temperatures for treatment has been used for many years, but with advancements in technology the procedure can pinpoint an issue and provide a solution. So, for cryotherapy treatment in London, use Doctify to find an expert to talk you through your options.
A probe is inserted into the tissue next to the affected nerve. The temperature of the probe drops to effectively freeze the nerve.
Cryotherapy can be done differently, depending on which areas are targeted. For skin cancer, the doctor sprays or swabs liquid nitrogen at affected area which freezes. The nitrogen dissolves and thaws after the procedure. A dry crust (scab) may form over the wound which will fall along the dead cancer cells over the next month.
For cancers inside the body, a small probe is inserted (cryoprobe) to supply the liquid nitrogen. This can be done through the skin (percutaneously) or through a scope, depending on the position of the cancer. Percutaneous procedure will require general or local anaesthetic. For kidney cancer, a thin, flexible tube called a laparoscope with a camera at its tip may be used to position the cryoprobe, percutaneously. Brochoscopy may be needed for lung cancer and endoscopy for cancers in the foodpipe to reach the tumours. Some cancers need to be frozen and thawed a number of times.
How to prepare for Cryotherapy?
For procedures that require the use of cryoprobe, your doctor will arrange you for ultrasound or a CT scan to locate the position of the cancer.
Your doctor will talk to you about the possible risks and side effects, depending on the type of cancer. You will also be told beforehand how you will have the treatment and exactly what is involved.
What happens after Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is a relatively safe and not as invasive as having an operation. People usually recover within a few days. Although it is unlikely to have side effects, the common effects include pain and discomfort in the treatment area which can be relieved using pain killers. You may also note bleeding at that area, prompting blood pressure, pulse and wound check at a clinic. As the cancer cells are killed by the cold temperatures, it is possible that the nearby tissues close to the cancerous cells may be affected.
