Print OverviewCryoablation is a procedure that uses cold to treat cancer. During cryoablation, a thin, wandlike needle called a cryoprobe is inserted through the skin. The cryoprobe is placed directly into the cancer. A gas is pumped into the cryoprobe to freeze the tissue. Then the tissue is allowed to thaw. The freezing and thawing process is repeated several times. Cryoablation for cancer is typically used when surgery isn't an option. Cryoablation is sometimes used as a treatment for many types of cancer, including: Bone cancer. Breast cancer. Cervical cancer. Eye cancer. Kidney cancer. Liver cancer. Lung cancer. Prostate cancer. Cryoablation also is used to relieve the pain and other symptoms caused by cancer that spreads to the bone, other organs or lymph nodes. It can be used to treat large tumors that can't be treated by surgery. Cryoablation for cancer also is called percutaneous cryoablation, cryosurgery or cryotherapy.Products & ServicesSign up for Email: Get Your Free Resource – Coping with Cancer Clinical trials Explore Mayo Clinic studies of tests and procedures to help prevent, detect, treat or manage conditions. By Mayo Clinic Staff Cryoablation for cancer care at Mayo Clinic Request an appointment Doctors & Departments Dec. 22, 2022 Print Show references Cryotherapy. RadiologyInfo.org. https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/cryo. Accessed Oct. 18, 2022. Jennings JW, et al. Cryoablation for palliation of painful bone metastases: The MOTION Multicenter Study. Radiology: Imaging Cancer. 2021; doi:10.1148/rycan.2021200101. Parvinian A, et al. Percutaneous cryoablation of larger tumors: Safety, feasibility, and technical considerations. Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology. 2022; doi:10.1007/s00270-021-03025-7. Parvinian A, et al. A single-institution experience in percutaneous image-guided cryoablation of lymph node metastases. AJR: American Journal of Roentgenology. 2021; doi:10.2214/AJR.20.22861. Related Bone metastasis Carcinoid syndrome Carcinoid tumors Hepatocellular carcinoma Liver cancer Prostate cancer Show more related content Products & Services Sign up for Email: Get Your Free Resource – Coping with Cancer Cryoablation for cancerAboutDoctors&DepartmentsCare atMayoClinic Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceThe Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressThe Essential Diabetes BookMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book PRC-20314017 Patient Care & Health Information Tests & Procedures Cryoablation for cancer