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Mcgraw hill english spanish medical dictionary v4.3.196 skin#
The probe is then brought into direct contact with the skin lesion to freeze it. In a third option, liquid nitrogen or another cryogen is circulated through a probe to cool it to low temperatures. Sometimes, the physician will insert a small needle connected to a thermometer into the lesion to make certain the lesion is cooled to a low enough temperature to guarantee maximum destruction. A second freeze-thaw cycle may be required. Freezing may last from five to 20 seconds, depending on the size of the lesion. In another cryotherapy technique, a device is used to direct a small spray of liquid nitrogen or other cryogen directly onto the skin growth. A second application may be necessary depending on the size of the growth. The goal is to freeze the skin growth as quickly as possible, and then let it thaw slowly to cause maximum destruction of the skin cells. At a temperature of −320☏ (−196☌), liquid nitrogen is the coldest cryogen available. In the simplest technique, usually reserved for warts and other benign skin growths, the physician will dip a cotton swab or other applicator into a cup containing a "cryogen," such as liquid nitrogen, and apply it directly to the skin growth to freeze it. There are three main techniques to performing cryotherapy.
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In these patients, healing can be poor and the risk of infection can be higher than for other patients. Care should be taken in people with diabetes or certain circulation problems when cryotherapy is considered for growths located on their lower legs, ankles, and feet.
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If it remains unclear whether a growth is benign or malignant, a sample of tissue should be removed for analysis (biopsy) by a pathologist before any attempts to destroy the lesion with cryotherapy. Similarly, basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas that have reappeared at the site of a previously treated tumor should also be removed surgically. Lesions that are suspected or known to be malignant melanoma should not be treated with cryotherapy, but should instead be removed surgically. These areas include: skin that overlies nerves, the corners of the eyes, the fold of skin between the nose and lip, the skin surrounding the nostrils, and the border between the lips and the rest of the face. This Spanish-English dictionary has been created for speakers of all skill levels. Cryotherapy is not recommended for certain areas of the body because of the danger of destruction of tissue or unacceptable scarring.