Reviewed 15 November 2014
Cryotherapy is a form of treatment using extreme cold. It is typically achieved using liquid nitrogen. It is primarily used for treatment of a single, or a small number of, precancerous skin growths, such as actinic keratosis. It is most efficiently delivered using a specially designed apparatus, called Cry-AC, instead of cotton tip applicators.
Cryotherapy is not usually effective enough against invasive skin cancers, which require surgery. Should liquid nitrogen therapy for invasive skin malignancy be necessary, it can be arranged by referral to the Skin Management Clinic.