Final answer:
Cauterization refers to the destruction of abnormal tissue using electrically heated instruments or chemicals, while cryosurgery uses ultracold temperatures. They are distinctive procedures, each employing different methods to achieve the destruction of pathological tissues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Destruction of abnormal tissue with chemicals or an electrically heated instrument is a medical procedure referred to as cauterization or ablative therapy. It does not, however, refer to cryosurgery. Cryosurgery is actually a technique where extremely cold temperatures are used to destroy abnormal tissue and is particularly noted for its minimal blood loss during the procedure. A common cryogenic liquid used in cryosurgery is liquid nitrogen.
Cauterization can be done using chemicals, which may include acidic or basic substances that disrupt cell structures. Alternatively, electrically heated instruments are used in procedures like laser surgery, which utilizes concentrated light to generate heat and destroy the pathological tissue. Electric currents from instruments create heat by resistance and can help to minimize bleeding by cauterizing blood vessels. In contrast, cryosurgery utilizes the ultracold temperatures of cryogenic liquids to precisely target and eliminate abnormal tissues without extensive heat production.