What is Radiofrequency Ablation of Liver Tumors?
Radiofrequency ablation, sometimes referred to as RFA, is a minimally invasive treatment for cancer. It is an image-guided technique that heats and destroys cancer cells. In radiofrequency ablation, imaging techniques such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used to help guide a needle electrode into a cancerous tumor. High-frequency electrical currents are then passed through the electrode, creating heat that destroys the abnormal cells.
Many methods of minimally invasive therapy have been attempted in recent years to eliminate tumors in organs like the liver. One of the most promising is called radiofrequency ablation (RFA). In general, radiofrequency ablation causes only minimal discomfort and may be done as an outpatient procedure without general anesthesia. Admission to the hospital is not usually necessary. How does it work? A special needle electrode is placed in the tumor under the guidance of an imaging method such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scanning or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A radiofrequency current then is passed through the electrode to heat the tumor tissue near the needle tip and ablate (eliminate) it. The heat from radiofrequency energy also closes up small blood vessels, thereby minimizing the risk of bleeding. What are some common uses of the procedure? Two types of liver tumor have been the main targets of radiofrequency ablation: hepatocellular carcinoma, which is a primary liv
