|
Ablation
Ablation uses cold, heat or radiofrequency waves to destroy tumor cells.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can be used to treat a variety of conditions. Interventional radiologists use it to treat tumors in a variety of organ systems, including the liver, kidneys, lung and adrenal glands, and in bones.
The procedure:
You will be given a sedative or general anesthesia. The doctor will insert a probe or catheter fitted with an electrode into the affected area. The probe delivers radiofrequency energy, causing heat that destroys diseased tissue while sparing healthy surrounding tissue.
RFA Advantages:
- Minimally invasive treatments that can usually be done on an outpatient basis.
- The heat generated by radiofrequency treatment also closes blood vessels, reducing bleeding.
- Can be used to treat inoperable tumors, especially involving the liver and kidney.
Cryoablation for kidney tumors
Illustration depicts a probe inserted into a tumor. (Illustration courtesy of Endocare, Inc.)
Interventional radiologists use cryoablation, which freezes and destroys kidney tumors up to 3 centimeters in size.
The procedure:
You will be given a sedative and local anesthesia. The doctor will insert a probe into the tumor. The probe is cooled to an extremely low temperature, which freezes and destroys cancerous cells, while sparing healthy, surrounding tissues.
Cryoablation advantages:
- Minimally invasive treatment that is usually done on an outpatient basis.
- Compared to surgery, cryoablation offers quicker recovery, less pain and decreased risk of complications.
- It is becoming the preferred treatment over surgery for kidney tumors up to 3 centimeters.
The arrow on this CT scan image points to a 2-centimeter tumor on the left kidney.
|
Four months after cryoablation, the arrow placed on this CT scan image reveals a decreased tumor that required no further treatment.
|
|
