Overview
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive treatment that uses high-frequency electrical energy to heat and kill cancer cells. It is often used to treat small tumours in organs such as the liver, lungs, kidneys, and bones, especially when surgery isn't an option. During RFA, a thin needle-like probe is put directly into the tumour while the doctor watches it on an ultrasound or CT scan. The probe sends electrical currents through it, which produce heat that kills cancer cells but not healthy tissue nearby. RFA can be used on its own or with surgery, chemotherapy, or other cancer treatments.
Why It's Done
RFA is used to treat small or localised tumours, especially in people who can't have major surgery because of their medical condition or the location of the tumour. It can also be used to shrink tumours, ease symptoms, or prevent cancer from spreading. The goal is to get rid of cancer cells with as little damage as possible to nearby tissues and a shorter recovery time than with open surgery.
What to Expect?
Before the procedure, patients have imaging tests such as CT, MRI, or ultrasound to determine the size and location of the tumour. Blood tests are done to check your overall health and how well your blood clots. Most of the time, RFA is done with local anaesthesia and sedation. However, in some cases, general anaesthesia may be needed. The doctor uses imaging to guide the ablation probe through the skin and into the tumour during the procedure. After being put in the right place, radiofrequency energy is used to heat and kill the cancer cells. The treatment usually takes 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the size of the tumour. After that, the probe is removed, and a small bandage is applied. Patients are watched for a few hours before they are sent home.
Recovery & Outlook
Most people recover quickly, but the treatment site may be a little sore. Most patients go back to their normal lives within a few days. RFA is an effective way to control tumours in some cases, and it works best for small, localised cancers.