11. Cryosurgery: Freezing Cancer in its Tracks
Picture a treatment approach that literally freezes cancer cells to death. Welcome to the world of Cryosurgery, a unique approach in the battle against thyroid cancer. It’s a frigid but effective way of putting the freeze on cancer growth.
Cryosurgery, or Cryotherapy, involves the use of extremely cold temperatures to destroy cancer cells. Under guidance, a thin, wand-like needle called a cryoprobe is inserted into the tumor. An extremely cold gas is then passed through the cryoprobe, freezing the surrounding cells.
What’s remarkable about Cryosurgery is its dual-action mechanism. The freezing process not only kills the cancer cells but also stimulates an immune response. The body reacts to the frozen tissue as if it were a foreign substance, sending immune cells to further attack the cancer.
Despite its efficacy, Cryosurgery is often used as an adjunct or alternative treatment. It’s particularly useful when conventional surgery is not an option, or in cases of recurrent or persistent disease.
Cryosurgery reflects our adaptive approach to cancer treatment, turning something as commonplace as cold temperatures into a potent weapon. It’s a cool approach indeed, in our heated battle against cancer. (11)
