Freezing Breast Cancers at Knoxville Comprehensive Breast Center
After years of clinical trials at Knoxville Comprehensive Breast Center (KCBC) and other centers of excellence around the country, cryoablation of small breast cancers is now a viable treatment option. There is no surgery required with this in-office procedure. Recovery time is faster on average, and there may be an increase in the body’s immunological response. If you would like to learn more about how we use cryoablation for breast cancer in our Knoxville, TN office, request an appointment for a consultation.
What Is Cryoablation? How We Perform Cryoablation Procedures
Cryoablation therapy uses extremely cold temperatures (cryo) to get rid of tissue (ablation). In this case, it is breast cancer tissue found in the body. It works by inserting a needle probe into the cancerous cells, which may require local anesthesia and a minor incision. Once correctly placed using an MRI or ultrasound technology, the probe begins creating an ice ball around cancer. Once the calculated ice ball is formed based on the specifics of the patient and cancer, the probe is then removed. The procedure is done. The extreme cold causes cancer to die from necrosis, which is when most or all the cells in an organ or tissue die due to disease, injury, or lack of blood supply.
Over the next several weeks, the patient’s body will break down ice-balled cancer, piece by piece, until the ice ball and the cancer are gone. There is evidence that as the patient’s body reabsorbs the necrosis area, it provides a boost to their immune system. This new treatment option for our patients gives them more choice in how they overcome breast cancer. Cryoablation side effects are usually minimal and vary by patient, but breast pain, swelling, cramping, bleeding, skin burns, and ecchymosis (skin discoloration caused by bruising or bleeding) have been reported by some. Watch this YouTube video for more information on how the cryoablation procedure works.
What Are the Benefits of Cryoablation for Breast Cancer?
Cryoablation is a minimally invasive breast cancer treatment option used to treat malignant and benign breast masses. It has also been used to successfully treat primary and metastatic tumors in the liver, kidneys, lungs, and prostate, as well as to remove freckles, skin tags, skin tumors, and precancerous skin moles. It is usually recommended for early-stage, low-risk breast cancer patients with small-sized tumors. Benefits of using cryoablation for breast cancer treatment include all the following:
- Avoids the risks and recovery time associated with traditional surgery
- Less likely to cause damage to surrounding skin and breast tissue
- Offered on an outpatient basis with little to no downtime required
- Preserves breast volume and nipple position and sensation with minimal scarring
- Provides a boost to the patient’s immune system post-treatment
Why Choose Knoxville Comprehensive Breast Center?
The cryoablation procedure is just one of the many innovative breast cancer treatment options we offer at Knoxville Comprehensive Breast Center. We’re proud to be one of the only centers in Tennessee offering cryoablation for breast cancer. For nearly 40 years, we have been advocates for breast cancer awareness by educating people about the various types of breast cancer and the most common symptoms of breast cancer. Our mission is to save as many lives as possible through the early detection and treatment of breast cancer from our compassionate, experienced breast cancer specialists.
Patients of all ages come to us for breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment options using advanced technology and equipment. Treatment plans are personalized to each patient’s needs for the best chances of recovery. Our comprehensive services include screening mammograms, digital mammography, breast MRIs, breast ultrasounds, image-guided biopsies, bone densitometry, second opinion evaluations, and cryoablation treatments. We also offer mastectomy bras, wigs, breast prosthetics, post-operation camisoles, and compression garments in our boutique.
Learn More About Our Innovative Breast Cancer Treatments
If you would like to learn more about cryoablation and other innovative breast cancer treatment options at Knoxville Comprehensive Breast Center, we encourage you to reach out and request an appointment. The size and extent of breast cancer and the distance it is from the skin are all factors in determining if cryoablation is a viable breast cancer treatment option for you. Talk to our team today or mail us at [email protected] to determine if you are an ideal candidate for this procedure. We’d be happy to explain how it works in more detail!