Increased invasiveness and recurrence of nonmelanoma skin cancer with the use of liquid nitrogen

Perineural invasion (PNI) is a mechanism of neoplastic growth and spread that occurs in and around nerves as a means of minimal resistance. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) are among the most common cutaneous tumors known to take advantage of this phenomenon. Moreover, tumors that exhibit PNI are at higher risk for distant metastases, and are associated with an increased rate of recurrence, morbidity, and mortality. The link between PNI and invasive techniques such as cryosurgery has been proposed, but studies are limited.
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology - Category: Dermatology Source Type: research