CRYOSURGERY

Cryosurgery is the application of extreme cold to destroy abnormal tissue. The application of ultra-cold liquid nitrogen causes damage to the treated tissue due to intracellular ice formation. Liquid nitrogen is kept in a large insulated tank, at its natural temperature of around -195 degrees Celsius,

 

Cryosurgery is used to treat a number of diseases and disorders, most especially benign skin conditions like warts, moles, skin tags and solar keratoses. It can also be used on precancerous skin lesions. The procedure is used often as it is relatively easy and quick, and is deemed quite low risk. If a cancerous lesion is suspected, then excision rather than cryosurgery may be deemed more appropriate.

​

Some lesions can be treated and charged to OHIP, but most (especially if cosmetic) are subject to an additional fee.