This preliminary report suggests that
cryosurgery has a definite place in the management of certain external periocular and ocular problems.
Cryosurgery for basal- or
squamous-cell carcinoma of the lid is easily performed, gives excellent cosmetic results, and has a low recurrence rate. It is not recommended for lesions involving the fornices, nor for sclerotic or
morphea-type
basal-cell carcinomas.
Tumor recurrences following radiation, surgery, or
cryosurgery can still be retreated with
cryosurgery. To date, there is no evidence that
cryosurgery at temperatures above --40 degrees C causes damage to the lacrimal outflow system.
Cryosurgery is of value in the management of
trichiasis,
reactive lymphoid hyperplasia, spider
hemangioma,
molluscum contagiosum, and conjunctival dysplasia.
Cryotherapy for management of intraepithelial
epithelioma and
squamous-cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva and cornea is still under investigation.
Cryosurgery will, in our opinion, become the treatment of choice for basal- and
squamous-cell carcinomas of the eyelids. The 96% cure rate with one treatment for these lesions reported here is artificially high since the follow-up period is too short. However,
retreatment with
cryosurgery is a simple 10- min outpatient procedure which is certainly not the case with recurrences after other forms of
therapy.