Cryosurgery of Tumors of the Skin and Oral Cavity

Abstract

In part one of this book, Dr. Zacarian discussed the fundamentals of cryogenics and cryobiology. The history of the use of subzero temperatures in relation to biology and medicine is reviewed, and the characteristics of the various refrigerants used in cryosurgery are discussed. The effects of freezing on normal and malignant cells are described. The importance of damage to small blood vessels, the need for rapid freezing and slow thawing, and the repetition of the freeze-thaw cycle to determine the severity and extent of the cryolesion are stressed. In the second and largest part of the book, Dr. Zacarian discussed cryosurgery of benign and malignant tumors of the skin with Robert M. Goldwyn, MD, who contributed a short chapter on hemangiomas. Dr. Zacarian lists 28 benign and precancerous skin lesions that may respond favorably to cryosurgery. He gives short descriptions of the cause, clinical appearance, and behavior of several of