When a lump or bump appears on the skin, many wonder if these growths, particularly cysts, can simply be “frozen off.” While freezing methods are effective for certain superficial skin conditions, their application for true cysts is generally not recommended due to the unique characteristics of cysts and the potential for complications.
What Are Cysts?
A cyst is a sac-like pocket of tissue that can form almost anywhere in the body or under the skin. These sacs have a distinct outer layer and are separate from the surrounding tissue. Cysts can contain various materials, including fluid, air, or semi-solid substances like keratin or pus. While they can differ greatly in size, from microscopic to quite large, most cysts are benign, meaning they are non-cancerous.
Understanding Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy, often referred to as “freezing off,” is a medical procedure that uses extreme cold to destroy abnormal tissue. This process typically involves applying a cryogen, such as liquid nitrogen at a temperature of -196°C, directly to the targeted area. The intense cold causes ice crystals to form within cells, leading to cellular damage and tissue death. While cryotherapy is a valuable tool in dermatology, it is primarily used for superficial skin growths such as warts, skin tags, and some early-stage skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma.
Why Freezing is Not Standard for Cysts
Cryotherapy is not typically a standard or recommended treatment for most true cysts. A significant reason for this limitation lies in the nature of cyst contents; many cysts are filled with fluid or semi-solid material that does not freeze effectively or consistently. Furthermore, many cysts are located deeper beneath the skin’s surface, making it challenging for cryotherapy to reach and destroy the entire cyst wall without causing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. If the entire cyst lining or sac is not completely destroyed, the cyst is highly prone to recurring, which is a frequent outcome when cryotherapy is attempted on true cysts. Surgical methods, by contrast, aim to remove the entire sac to prevent recurrence.
Another important consideration is the diagnostic necessity; freezing a cyst destroys the tissue, making it impossible to send for pathological examination. This examination is important for confirming the cyst’s benign nature and ruling out potentially more serious conditions. Therefore, for common true cysts such as sebaceous or epidermoid cysts, which require complete sac removal, freezing is not the preferred method.
Effective Treatments for Cysts
Given the limitations of cryotherapy for true cysts, several other medically accepted treatments are more effective in achieving resolution. Surgical excision is often the most comprehensive method, involving the complete removal of the cyst along with its sac. This approach significantly reduces the likelihood of the cyst recurring because the sac is entirely removed. Surgical excision is particularly effective for cysts like epidermoid or sebaceous cysts.
Another common treatment option, especially for fluid-filled cysts, is drainage or aspiration. This procedure involves using a needle to withdraw the fluid from the cyst, providing immediate relief from pressure and discomfort. However, drainage alone often results in the cyst refilling because the sac remains intact. For some small and asymptomatic cysts, a healthcare professional may recommend observation, meaning the cyst is simply monitored over time. It is always important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and to discuss the most appropriate treatment plan for any new or concerning skin growth.