Washington Master Esthetics Practice Exam

What type of cancer cells are commonly removed through cryotherapy?

1. Squamous cell carcinomas

2. Melanomas

3. Basal cell carcinomas

4. Leukemias

The correct answer is: Basal cell carcinomas

Cryotherapy is particularly effective for treating basal cell carcinomas. These are the most common type of skin cancer, typically found on sun-exposed areas of the skin. Basal cell carcinomas often present as small, pearly bumps or flat, scaly patches and tend to be less aggressive than other forms of skin cancer. The rationale behind using cryotherapy for basal cell carcinomas lies in its ability to destroy abnormal cells by freezing them. This process causes ice crystals to form inside the cancer cells, leading to cellular death while minimizing damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. The treatment is often quick and can be performed in a doctor's office, making it a convenient option for patients. While squamous cell carcinomas also respond well to cryotherapy, this method is not the first-line treatment for them, as they may require different approaches depending on their size and location. Melanomas, on the other hand, are more aggressive and generally require surgical intervention, while leukemias are cancers of the blood and do not involve the skin, making cryotherapy irrelevant in their treatment.