Cryotherapy
Pronunciation: KRY-oh-ther-uh-pee
A dermatological procedure in which liquid nitrogen (~−196 °C) is applied to a lesion to destroy abnormal tissue through freeze–thaw cycles.
Full Definition
Cryotherapy in dermatology involves the controlled application of liquid nitrogen via spray or probe to induce cell death in targeted skin lesions such as actinic keratoses, viral warts, and superficial basal cell carcinomas. The mechanism relies on intracellular ice crystal formation and vascular stasis during freeze–thaw cycling. Documentation of cryotherapy in clinical notes should include the number of freeze–thaw cycles, freeze time in seconds, and the anatomical site. Editors must ensure 'cryotherapy' is not confused with 'cryosurgery' (a term used when deeper tissue destruction is intended) or with cryotherapy as used in sports medicine (cold therapy for musculoskeletal injuries).
Usage
Usage note: Specify the cryogen (typically liquid nitrogen) in procedural notes. 'Cryotherapy' and 'cryosurgery' are used variably in dermatology literature; confirm the author's intent and apply consistently. Do not confuse with the sports medicine use of the term.
In Context
- "Cryotherapy was applied to the actinic keratosis on the dorsum of the left hand using a single 10-second freeze–thaw cycle." — Procedure note
- "The editor queried whether 'cryotherapy' should be 'cryosurgery' given the depth of tissue destruction described, and flagged it for author clarification." — Manuscript query sheet