Breast Cancer Treatment with Cryoablation

Today, breast cancer treatment combines technology, comfort, and aesthetic considerations to deliver revolutionary solutions for patients. One of these innovations is cryoablation, which is non-surgical breast cancer treatment using the freezing method.
Dr. Atasoy Clinic, as one of the few centers in Turkey applying this method, provides patients with safe, effective, and cosmetically superior results without requiring surgery.

What is Cryoablation?

Cryoablation literally means "destroying by cooling." In this method, tumor tissue is exposed to very low temperatures ranging from -40°C to -80°C through a special cryoprobe needle. The freezing process causes tumor cell membranes to rupture, destroying the cells.
After the procedure, the body naturally clears this dead tissue over time. This way, cancerous tissue is rendered ineffective without requiring surgical incision, stitches, or general anesthesia.

When is Cryoablation Applied?

Cryoablation produces very successful results particularly in early-stage breast cancer cases and benign breast masses like fibroadenoma.
Appropriate patient group includes:

• Single-focus tumors smaller than 2 cm

• Elderly or those unsuitable for general anesthesia

• Recurrent tumors after previous surgery

• Those not wanting surgical scars or wishing to preserve breast integrity

At Dr. Atasoy Clinic, all patients undergo detailed evaluation with ultrasound and MR before the procedure. This clearly determines which patients are suitable for cryoablation.

How is Cryoablation Applied?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with ultrasound guidance. The patient does not lose consciousness during the procedure, can speak, and is discharged the same day after treatment.
Procedure steps are as follows:

1. Breast skin is sterilized.

2. The fine cryoprobe needle is placed at the center of the tumor under ultrasound guidance.

3. Liquid argon gas from the device freezes the tissue, causing crystallization.

4. Freezing and thawing cycles are repeated several times.

5. The procedure ends when the tumor is completely inactivated.

Total procedure duration is generally around 30-40 minutes.
The frozen tumor is gradually absorbed and eliminated by the body over several weeks.

Mechanism of Action of Cryoablation

Cryoablation triggers tumor cell death by subjecting the tissue to heat shock.
During cooling:

• Intracellular water crystallizes, rupturing cell membranes.

• Blood vessels constrict and the tumor's blood supply stops.

• During the thawing phase after freezing, ice crystals that reform cause complete cell death.

This way, cancer cell growth is stopped and the risk of recurrence is minimized.

Advantages of Cryoablation

• Non-surgical and painless: Only local anesthesia is applied.

• Cosmetically perfect: No scars, stitches, or shape deformity occurs on the skin.

• Provides rapid healing: Patient is discharged the same day and immediately returns to daily life.

• No blood loss or infection risk.

• Natural breast tissue is preserved.

• Retreatable: Cryoablation can be applied again to the same area if needed.

• Tumor tissue can undergo genetic testing.

State-of-the-art cryoablation systems used at Dr. Atasoy Clinic monitor the freezing area with temperature sensors during the procedure, controlling it with millimetric precision. This preserves healthy tissues while only the tumor is targeted.

Post-Treatment Period

Following cryoablation, the patient can go home after a brief rest period.
The recovery period is quite comfortable.

• Mild bruising or edema resolves within a few days.

• Pain is minimal and usually controlled with simple pain relievers.

• Patient can return to normal activities the next day.

Follow-up ultrasound or MRI performed 1 month after the procedure evaluates treatment effectiveness.
Generally, within 3-6 months, the frozen tissue is completely absorbed and replaced with healthy connective tissue.

A Scientifically Proven Method

Cryoablation is an approved method in the United States and Europe for breast cancer treatment for many years.
It has high success rates especially in early-stage tumors like DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) and invasive ductal carcinoma.
Clinical studies have shown that cryoablation:

• Achieves tumor control rates reaching 95%,

• Is much superior to surgery in cosmetic results,

• Has very high patient satisfaction.

For this reason, it is now accepted in many centers as "an alternative to surgery."

Cryoablation Application at Dr. Atasoy Clinic

At Dr. Atasoy Clinic, cryoablation is performed by an experienced interventional radiology specialist.
A personalized treatment plan is created for each patient.
The most suitable cryoprobe is selected considering the tumor's location, size, and the patient's general health status.

The treatment process is conducted entirely in a comfortable and safe manner.
After the procedure, the patient goes home the same day, and healing is monitored with regular follow-ups.
Our clinic approach is not only to eliminate the tumor but also to promote the patient's physical and psychological recovery.

Who is Cryoablation Not Suitable For?

Like all treatments, cryoablation has certain limitations.
Alternative methods may be considered in the following situations:

• Tumors larger than 2.5 cm or multi-focal

• Tumors located very close to the nipple

• Lesions adjacent to large vascular structures

• Advanced-stage cases with lymph node involvement

In these patients, combined treatment (such as surgery + cryoablation) may be planned.
Dr. Atasoy Clinic performs multidisciplinary evaluation of each patient to determine the most appropriate approach.

Patient Experience and Results

Many patients experience significant relief and sense of security within days after cryoablation.
Breast shape is preserved, cosmetic concerns are eliminated.
This provides particular advantage for young and actively living women.

During follow-up assessments:

• Tumor recurrence rate is quite low.

• Biological behavior of cancer tissue is unchanged, brought under control.

• Patients can return to normal life even weeks after treatment.

Dr. Atasoy Clinic practices an approach following international standards in cryoablation treatment, placing patient satisfaction at the center.
This way, each patient receives modern, aesthetic, and safe treatment without requiring surgery.