A Newer Treatment for Prostate Cancer: Cryotherapy

Other Therapy

Cryotherapy: This technique involves inserting a probe through a small skin incision and freezing areas of cancer in the prostate.

• This therapy is reserved for cancer localized within the prostate as well as for men who are unable to withstand the conventional therapies such as surgery or radiation.
  
  
• The probe is guided to areas of cancer by using transrectal ultrasound (TRUS). Cancerous tissue appears on the ultrasound and allows the surgeon to monitor therapy and limit damage to normal prostate tissue.
  
  
• There are several advantages to using this procedure over surgery and radiation therapy. There is less blood loss, shorter hospital stay, shorter recovery times, and less pain than with conventional surgery.
  
  
• The long-term effectiveness of this procedure is unknown because it is a newer treatment.