Radiofrequency Ablation for Cancer

About

The radiofrequency needle is placed into a liver tumor

Electrodes deployed through the needle cause a zone of thermal destruction that encompasses the tumor and a small zone of normal liver tissue

Radiofrequency ablation works by inserting a thin needle guided by computed tomography (CT) or ultrasound through the skin and into a tumor. Electrical energy delivered through this needle heats and destroys the tumor. During the following months, dead cells turn into a harmless scar. During the short RF ablation treatment, patients are under general anesthesia.

In most cases, a tumor can be adequately treated with one treatment session. A treatment takes about 15 minutes. Typically, RF ablation creates a zone of tissue destruction 3-5 centimeters in size.

After treatment, patients spend a night in the hospital and go home the next day. The procedure can be repeated if new cancer appears.