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EN Radiofrequency ablation
Radiofrequency Ablation RFA Overview
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses heat to kill cancer cells. High-frequency electrical currents are passed through a special needle or probe called a needle electrode. Electrode goes through your skin into the tumour. The electrical current from the probe heats a small area containing cancer cells to high temperatures, killing the cancer cells. The area around the tumour is also usually treated because it may contain cancer cells.RFA destroys cancer cells using radio waves and an electrical current. The procedure is a minimally invasive alternative to surgery, so you’ll have a faster recovery, with less risk of complications. It affects less healthy tissue because it treats a tumor in a localized, targeted way. Even when RFA doesn’t remove all of a tumor, reducing its size can lengthen your life. To help you reach your best possible outcome.
Types of cancer treated
RFA may be done to treat some tumours if the cancer is in a position that makes surgery difficult or if you can’t have surgery because of other health problems. It is usually used for tumours that are smaller than 5 cm across. RFA can be given alone or with other cancer treatments. It is most often used to treat:● primary liver cancer
● liver metastases
● lung metastases
● kidney cancer
RFA can also be used to treat Barrett’s esophagus which is a precancerous condition of the esophagus. It is also used to treat other medical conditions, including some non-cancerous conditions.
RFA works
RFA can be given in different ways. Doctor will choose the best method based on the size, number and location of the tumours. RFA can be done:● through the skin (called percutaneous RFA)
● with an endoscope
● by laparoscopy
At the same time as surgery to remove other tumours, RFA can be done under general anesthesia (you will be asleep). It can also be done using a local anesthetic to numb the area and sedation to make you drowsy. Then you will have a CT scan or an ultrasound to help the doctor or radiologist guide the probe or needle into the right position.
Once the probe is in place, an electrical current is sent through to the tip. More than one probe may be used if you have a large tumour or more than one tumour. The treatment can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours. It will usually have a CT scan or an MRI a few weeks after RFA to see if the tumours have shrunk or if it need more treatment.