Cryosurgery (cryotherapy) is the use of extreme cold in surgery to destroy abnormal or diseased tissue. The term comes from the Greek words cryo (κρύο) ("icy cold") and surgery (cheirourgiki – χειρουργική) meaning "hand work" or "handiwork".Cryosurgery has been historically used to treat a number of diseases and disorders, especially a variety of benign and malignant skin conditions.