Background and Identification
Cryosurgery is the procedure of using extreme cold to destroy and remove abnormal or diseased body tissue. Cyrosurgical systems are used during cryosurgery and help distribute the extreme cold temperatures to a specific location in the tissue. When faced with extremely cold temperatures, ice crystals begin to form in the cells and eventually the cells are torn apart.
Most cryosurgical systems use liquid nitrogen to achieve the extremely low temperatures all the way down to -89 degrees. Some cryosurgical systems use a combination of liquid nitrogen and nitrous oxide gases to form the cryogen. Recent research shows that carbon dioxide and argon gases may be used for various cryosurgery procedures. Cryosurgical systems can be used to treat internal and external tumors, as well as tumors that may exist within bones.
Source: Wikipedia
Image Source: Wikimedia
Additional Information
Cryoablation for Cancer Treatment