Which procedure destroys tissue by using extreme cold, often with liquid nitrogen?

• A. Electrocautery
• B. Cryosurgery
• C. Biopsy
• D. Colposcopy

Answer: (B)

Cryosurgery is the procedure that destroys tissue by extreme cold, typically using liquid nitrogen. The intense cold freezes cells in the targeted area, forming ice crystals that damage cell membranes and proteins, disrupt the tiny blood vessels, and cause cell death. This controlled freezing helps destroy abnormal tissue while often sparing surrounding healthy tissue when applied precisely. It’s commonly used for skin lesions, warts, and some precancerous conditions.

Electrocautery uses heat from an electric current to burn tissue, not cold. Biopsy involves removing tissue for diagnostic examination rather than destroying it with cold. Colposcopy is a procedure to visually examine the cervix using a specialized magnifying instrument.