What are the risks of cryotherapy for prostate cancer treatment?
Whether cryotherapy is effective in eliminating prostate cancer hasn’t been proven. Experts say that sometimes the freezing liquid fails to kill all of the cancer cells. As a result, there is a chance prostate cancer will come back. Also, the potential side effects of cryotherapy for prostate cancer are undesirable for some men. These side effects may include: • injury to the urethra and bladder • serious infections as a result of the injury • obstruction or blockage of the urethra In addition, the risks of cryotherapy are similar to other prostate cancer treatments. They include: • impotence • incontinence • recurrence of prostate cancer Without long-term studies, the jury is still out on who should consider cryotherapy to treat prostate cancer. Some experts believe cryotherapy may be most effective when a man has recurring prostate cancer that’s limited only to the prostate gland.