In Cryotherapy, liquid nitrogen (which has a very low boiling point – minus 200°C) is applied to the skin to destroy surface-based tumors. It is, therefore, suitable for the treatment of a wide variety of benign skin lesions, including pre-malignant actinic keratoses. In most cases, it is not suitable for the treatment of genuine skin cancers, though on occasion, it may be used via an adaptation of the usual technique, for superficial basal cell carcinomas (BCC), and superficial squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). It is contraindicated in the treatment of most subtypes of BCC, invasive SCC and Melanoma. This is rarely used for facial BCCs, mainly for superficial BCCs on the trunk and limbs.
Unfortunately, because of the availability and ease of use, it is frequently used inappropriately. Be certain that your doctor has the correct diagnosis before consenting to liquid nitrogen therapy. If used on inappropriate skin cancers it is not only likely to be ineffective but may lead to a significant delay in the commencement of right treatment.