16.04.2026
As the first hospital in Denmark, Aarhus University Hospital has successfully treated a patient with a desmoid tumor using cryoablation – a gentle and highly targeted freezing therapy.
Desmoid tumors are rare and benign, but they can grow aggressively and cause significant symptoms. Most commonly they are seen in younger women and may occur in various parts of the body, including the abdominal area as well as the arms and legs. Due to their location, these tumors can be difficult to treat, as they are often situated close to vital organs and structures.
Cryoablation is already a well-established treatment method in several other countries and is gaining recognition as an effective alternative when surgery is not a viable option. During the procedure, the tumor itself, is frozen, while the surrounding tissue is spared as much as possible. This can offer patients a shorter and more manageable treatment course compared to other options such as medication or radiation therapy, which often extend over longer periods and may involve more side effects.
This new treatment approach is a strong example of how interdisciplinary collaboration between physicians, radiographers and nurses across the Department of Radiology, the Department of Anesthesiology, and the Department of Oncology can translate new knowledge and international experience into tangible improvements for patients. With the introduction of cryoablation, a significantly strengthened treatment option for this patient group has now been established in Denmark.