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

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.