CHI Lakeside Performed Nebraska's First Breast Cryoablation

Omaha doctors have begun using freezing technology as an alternative treatment for early-stage breast cancer.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Cancer

CHI Lakeside Performed Nebraska's First Breast Cryoablation

Live Poll

Would you choose a non-surgical cryoablation procedure over traditional surgery for early-stage breast cancer?

CHI Lakeside Hospital has performed the first cryoablation breast cancer treatment in Nebraska. The procedure uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy small, early-stage tumors as an alternative to traditional surgery.

Why it matters

This procedure offers patients a less invasive option to surgical mastectomy for early-stage breast cancer. By freezing the tumor directly, doctors can treat specific cancers without requiring the physical removal of tissue through surgery.

Cryoablation is currently limited to patients with ER positive invasive ductal carcinomas that are 15mm or smaller. The clinical trial associated with the procedure focuses on patients aged 60 and older.

The players

Dr. Rakhshanda Rahman

She is the surgeon who performed the first cryoablation procedure in Nebraska and has completed 40 such treatments nationally.

CHI Lakeside Hospital

This is the Omaha-based medical facility that serves as the site for the state's first cryoablation breast cancer program.

The details

The procedure involves injecting liquid nitrogen through a biopsy needle to freeze the tumor while using saline to protect the skin from frostbite. Once frozen, the body naturally breaks down and eliminates the dead tumor tissue over time.

In 2025, a patient named Malmgren discovered a new breast cancer lump.
October 2026 marked the reported debut of the local cryoablation procedure.

Health Landscape

This development aligns with the 97-98% curability rate for early-stage breast cancer detection by providing a minimally invasive treatment option. It signals a shift in surgical oncology toward reducing the reliance on traditional mastectomies for eligible small tumors.

Patients who meet the strict 15mm tumor size and age requirements may now avoid more invasive surgical options for early-stage cancer. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and requires only a two-hour appointment.

The takeaway

Cryoablation represents a significant move toward minimally invasive oncology for specific early-stage patients. Consult with a specialized surgeon to determine if specific tumor characteristics make this freezing technique a viable alternative to surgery.