Cryotherapy for lung cancer is a treatment method that uses extremely low temperatures—reaching as low as -160°C—to directly destroy cancer cells. The procedure involves inserting a thin needle or metal probe into the tumor site. Specialized gas is then delivered through the probe to freeze the surrounding cancerous tissue, causing the cells to become damaged and die.
The key advantages of cryotherapy for lung cancer include its minimally invasive nature, reduced side effects and scarring, and lower risk of injury to healthy tissue around the tumor. Below is a complete explanation.
Contents
Advantages of Lung Cancer Treatment with Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy, also known as cryoablation, is typically used for small tumors or in situations where surgery is not a viable option. The following are some medically recognized benefits of cryoablation:
1. No Major Incisions (Minimally Invasive)
Cryotherapy is performed by inserting a thin needle or probe through the skin directly into the tumor site using imaging guidance such as ultrasound or CT scan. This procedure does not require open surgery with large incisions, resulting in a lower risk of bleeding and postoperative complications.
2. Fewer Side Effects and Minimal Scarring
Because it does not involve major surgery, cryotherapy generally causes milder side effects compared to conventional surgical procedures. The wound created is very small, leading to minimal scarring and typically a faster recovery time.
3. Reduced Damage to Surrounding Healthy Tissue
Cryotherapy works by freezing tumor tissue in a controlled and targeted manner. With the help of medical imaging, doctors can monitor the freezing zone in real time, minimizing potential damage to healthy tissue surrounding the tumor.
How Successful Is Cryotherapy for Cancer Treatment?
Cryotherapy has been used by many physicians to treat various types of cancer based on specific clinical considerations. In general, multiple studies indicate that cryotherapy is a safe and effective procedure for controlling and destroying cancerous tissue, particularly in selected stages and conditions.
If your doctor recommends cryotherapy, it is usually based on a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, including tumor size, location, and overall health factors. Your doctor will explain why this procedure is appropriate for your case and what outcomes you can expect.
How Is Lung Cancer Cryotherapy Performed?
Cryotherapy for lung cancer is performed in a hospital setting by an interventional radiology specialist. Before the procedure, patients may receive general anesthesia (so they are asleep during the procedure) or regional anesthesia (remaining awake but without pain in the treated area).
In general, the procedure includes the following steps:
- After anesthesia takes effect, the doctor inserts a thin needle or metal probe into the lung tumor.
- The probe’s position is guided by medical imaging such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to ensure precise targeting.
- Specialized gas is delivered through the probe to freeze the tumor tissue until the cancer cells are destroyed.
- The doctor carefully monitors the temperature and the size of the freezing area during the procedure to ensure safety and effectiveness.
After the procedure, patients may go home the same day or stay overnight depending on their clinical condition. Antibiotics may be prescribed to help prevent infection.
Possible side effects include mild pain or bruising at the needle insertion site, and most patients are able to resume normal activities within a few days.
Cryotherapy at Mandaya Royal Puri Performed by an Experienced Interventional Radiologist
Cryotherapy services at RS Mandaya Royal Puri are performed by dr. Sugianto Santoso, Sp.Rad (K)RI, a radiology specialist with a subspecialty in interventional radiology. He is experienced in performing a wide range of minimally invasive procedures for both diagnosis and treatment across various organs.
As an interventional radiologist, dr. Sugianto uses advanced imaging technologies such as ultrasound and CT scans to guide procedures precisely without the need for open surgery. This approach allows for minimal incisions, lower complication risks, and faster recovery times.
In addition to cryotherapy, he also performs other interventional procedures such as Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE), Radiofrequency Ablation (RF Ablation), and Microwave Ablation for the treatment of liver nodules and liver cancer. He completed his medical degree at Universitas Kristen Maranatha Bandung and pursued his Radiology specialization at Universitas Indonesia, strengthening his expertise in interventional radiology.
Practice schedule at Mandaya Royal Puri:
- Tuesday: 16:00 – 20:00 WIB
- Thursday: 16:00 – 20:00 WIB
To make your visit easier, you can use the WhatsApp Chat feature, Book Appointment service, or download the Care Dokter app via Google Play or the App Store to check queue numbers and access complete information.
