Who is it for?
Cryoablation is a minimally invasive option that may be considered in selected patients with early-stage breast cancer. The criteria are specific: hormone receptor–positive disease, tumor smaller than 1.5–2 cm, invasive ductal carcinoma, and no axillary lymph node involvement.
In appropriate patients meeting these criteria it may be considered as an alternative to surgery. The decision is never made alone: it is taken jointly with the breast surgery, oncology and radiology teams — together with you. Lobular breast cancer is currently not suitable for this treatment.
How it is done — step by step
Planning
The tumor is mapped with ultrasound and the safest probe path is chosen.
Local anaesthesia
The breast skin and the tissue around the tumor are numbed. No general anaesthesia, no incision.
Freezing
A thin cryoprobe is placed into the tumor under ultrasound guidance. Deep cold at the probe tip forms an “ice ball” engulfing the tumor; freeze–thaw cycles inactivate the cells. The ice ball margins are watched live — healthy tissue is protected.
Finish
The probe is removed and a small dressing applied. No stitches.
What to expect on the day
The procedure is performed awake, under local anaesthesia. The cold itself has a numbing effect; most patients describe only coldness and mild pressure.
After a short observation you go home the same day. Swelling and bruising of the breast are expected and settle over days.
Risks and Limitations
Common effects are temporary swelling, bruising and fluid collection at the site (seroma), usually resolving on their own. If the tumor lies very close to the skin, cold injury of the skin can rarely occur — this risk is managed with planning and protective techniques.
Limitations to know: this treatment is only for selected patients meeting the criteria above; larger, multifocal or lobular tumors are not suitable. Unlike surgery, cryoablation removes no tissue — your oncologic plan (medications and follow-up) continues unchanged with your oncology team.
Recovery and follow-up
Most patients return to daily life the next day; there is no scarring incision. A supportive bra adds comfort in the first days.
The treated area is followed with regular imaging; the schedule is set together with your oncology team. The frozen tissue shrinks and is remodelled by the body over time.
Scientific References
- ICE3 çalışması — 5 yıllık nihai sonuçlar: erken evre meme kanserinde eksizyonsuz kriyoablasyon (Fine RE ve ark., Annals of Surgical Oncology, 2024)
- Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) — Meme kanserinde kriyoablasyon bilgilendirme materyalleri
- Dernek kaynakları: CIRSE (Avrupa Girişimsel Radyoloji Derneği) · SIR (ABD) · SIO (Society of Interventional Oncology) · TGRD (Türk Girişimsel Radyoloji Derneği)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it replace surgery?
In selected early-stage patients meeting the criteria, it may be considered as an alternative to surgery. The decision is made jointly by the breast surgery, oncology and radiology teams — together with you.
Which tumors are not suitable?
Tumors larger than 1.5–2 cm, multifocal disease, node-positive disease and lobular breast cancer are currently not suitable.
Is it painful?
It is done under local anaesthesia, and the cold itself numbs the area. Most patients feel only coldness and pressure.
Will there be a scar?
There is no incision, so no surgical scar — only the small probe entry point on the skin.
Does my medication change afterwards?
Cryoablation does not replace your oncologic treatment plan. Hormonal therapy and follow-up continue exactly as planned by your oncology team.
Can I go home the same day?
Yes — the procedure is done under local anaesthesia and you are discharged after a short observation.
The information on this page is for general education; diagnosis and treatment decisions are made individually after clinical evaluation.