14. Cryotherapy – Freezing Cancer in its Tracks
Cryotherapy, or cryoablation, is a minimally invasive treatment option that employs extremely cold temperatures to freeze and destroy cancer cells. This technique, while not as common as surgery or radiation therapy, can be considered for some thyroid cancer cases, particularly for patients who may not be candidates for more invasive procedures.
Cryotherapy involves inserting a thin, needle-like probe directly into the tumor under imaging guidance. Extremely cold gases are then passed through the probe to freeze the tumor, effectively destroying the cancer cells. The procedure can be done under local or general anesthesia, depending on the case.
Cryotherapy for thyroid cancer is currently more commonly used in the context of palliative care, to alleviate symptoms when the cancer has spread to other areas like the bones. Still, as research advances, its role in the direct treatment of thyroid cancer may expand. As with all treatments, the potential benefits and risks of cryotherapy should be discussed with the healthcare team to determine if it’s the right option. (14)
