CRYOSURGERY IN ORAL LESIONS

Background Cryosurgery is a therapeutical method successfully used for many cutaneous conditions. Its use is increasing for several conditio ns in the oral cavity. Methods Liquid nitrogen spray or cryoprobe have been used alone or associated with other surgical methods in various types of oral lesions, such as pyogenic granuloma, angioma, actinic ch eilitis, keratoacantoma, fibroma, HPV lesions in HIV and non-HIV patie nts, hypertrophic lichen planus, leukoplakia and erythroplakia, verruc ous carcinoma, mucous cysts, and papillary hyperplasia of the palate, among others. Results Our experience and the literature have shown tha t cryosurgery is a very useful technique for treatment of oral lesions . The oral mucosa, because of its characteristics of humidity and smoo thness, is an ideal site for this technique. It shows a very good esth etic result and it may be either the first choice or an alternative op tion to conventional surgery. Conclusions Cryosurgery is a very safe, easy to perform, and relatively inexpensive technique for treating var ious oral lesions in an out-patient clinic.