Cryosurgery in oral lesions.

BACKGROUND: Cryosurgery is a therapeutical method successfully used for many cutaneous conditions. Its use is increasing for several conditions 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 cheilitis, keratoacantoma, fibroma, HPV lesions in HIV and non-HIV patients, hypertrophic lichen planus, leukoplakia and erythroplakia, verrucous carcinoma, mucous cysts, and papillary hyperplasia of the palate, among others.

RESULTS: Our experience and the literature have shown that cryosurgery is a very useful technique for treatment of oral lesions. The oral mucosa, because of its characteristics of humidity and smoothness, is an ideal site for this technique. It shows a very good esthetic result and it may be either the first choice or an alternative option to conventional surgery.

CONCLUSIONS: Cryosurgery is a very safe, easy to perform, and relatively inexpensive technique for treating various oral lesions in an out-patient clinic.