Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Cryosurgery for Prostate Cancer

Treatment Overview

Cryosurgery uses extreme cold to destroy cancer cells. It may be used to treat early prostate cancer. It's an option for those who can't have radiation therapy or a more invasive type of surgery. Or it may be used to treat prostate cancer that has come back after radiation therapy.

During this treatment, very thin needles, or probes, are put into the prostate. The doctor uses ultrasound to guide the probes into place. A very cold gas is passed through the probes. The gas freezes the prostate and destroys cancer cells.

A type of cryosurgery called focal cryotherapy may be an option in some cases. This targets just the tumor rather than the whole prostate. This may lead to fewer side effects, but the risk of cancer coming back (recurrence) is higher.

Related Information

Credits

Current as of: October 24, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Call

Directions

Facebook