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Guidelines for sites linking to mayoclinic.orgRadiofrequency ablation (RF ablation) is a minimally invasive treatment for cancer that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The treatment is an alternative when surgery is not a good option for patients for various reasons, often when other medical conditions increase the risk of surgery.
The National Cancer Institute has designated Mayo Clinic Cancer Center as a comprehensive cancer center. This designation is given to cancer centers whose cancer researchers and clinicians meet stringent standards. Mayo Clinic physicians and surgeons are known nationally for their skill and coordination of care for patients requiring care from a variety of specialists.
Mayo Clinic physicians have used radiofrequency ablation to treat hundreds of patients. The RF ablation team at Mayo Clinic includes radiologists, who perform the treatment, and oncologists and surgeons, who together determine whether RF ablation tumor treatment is appropriate for a patient.
Liver radiofrequency ablation
Radiofrequency ablation kills cancer cells by heating and destroying them. The physician inserts a thin needle guided by computed tomography (CT) or ultrasound through the skin and into the tumor. Electrical energy delivered through this needle heats and destroys the tumor. Months after the procedure, dead cells turn into a harmless scar. During the short ablation treatment, patients are given general anesthesia.
In most cases, a tumor can be adequately treated with one treatment session. A treatment takes less than one hour. The size and location of the treated area will depend on the tumor being treated.
After treatment, patients spend a night in the hospital and go home the next day. The procedure can be repeated if new cancer appears.
Read answers to some Frequently Asked Questions.
Radiofrequency ablation is a less invasive alternative to surgery. Physicians will determine whether RF ablation is the most appropriate treatment for cancer. All procedures carry some risk. Mayo Clinic physicians assess each patient's situation and discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with patients.
Advantages of radiofrequency ablation include:
Catheter radiofrequency ablation is used to treat some types of tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) and arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm).
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Mayo Clinic surgeons are leaders in the use of minimally invasive surgery. These procedures typically have less bleeding and pain and faster recovery time for patients. 
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