Cryotherapy of Fibroadenomas
Cryotherapy of fibroadenomas is a minimally invasive treatment that freezes and destroys benign tumors. During cryotherapy, liquid nitrogen or high-pressure argon gas flows into a needle-like applicator (a cryoprobe) to place intense cold in contact with diseased tissue. A breast surgeon uses image-guidance techniques such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MRI) to help guide the cryoprobes to the affected areas.
Fibroadenomas are the most common benign breast tumors in young women and account for up to half of all breast biopsies. The tumors are typically painless with no associated risk of cancer. Cryotherapy of fibroadenomas generally produces little or no pain and minimal scarring.