Breast Cryoablation

What is Breast Cryoablation?
Breast Cryoablation therapy is an alternative to surgery (lumpectomy) that kills cancer cells using extreme cold. The procedure is typically used to treat primary, early-stage, low-risk, invasive breast cancers. A needle is inserted through a tiny incision in the skin and is guided into the cancerous area using ultrasound to kill the diseased tissue. The incision is small enough to be covered by a Band-Aid and patients can resume normal activity immediately after. 

Cryoablation therapy creates a ball of ice that encases the tumor and a small amount of normal breast tissue. A cycle of freezing and thawing is used during the treatment, which lasts about 45 minutes from start to finish. When the tissue dies, the immune system clears away any residue. Over time, healthy tissue fills in the treated area. 

You can learn more about Cryoablation by watching the Empowered documentary below, reviewing the inclusion criteria, and contacting one of our experts by emailing Empowered@rimirad.com. We will need to review your breast imaging history so please include contact information about the radiology practice who provides your care. 

Breast Cancer Cryoablation Inclusion Criteria:

• Age greater than 60
• Biopsy-proven single site of breast cancer
• Invasive ductal carcinoma
• Estrogen receptor positive, progesterone receptor positive, HER2 negative
• Size less than 1.5 cm on imaging
• Normal axillary lymph nodes

Breast Fibroadenoma Cryoablation Inclusion Criteria:

• Biopsy-proven fibroadenoma 
• Symptomatic (for example: painful, palpable)