Radiofrequency Ablation is a treatment now being used for cancer that can actually destroy malignant tumors -- on an outpatient basis.Radiofrequency Ablation
The procedure
Radiofrequency Ablation, often called RFA, uses heat generated by radio waves to destroy malignant tissue. It is performed by surgeons and interventional radiologists in the hospital in the radiology department or in some cases, in the operating room during another surgical procedure.
While the patient is anesthetized, the physician slips a needle-like electrode probe through the skin into the tumor. The placement is guided by ultrasound or CT imaging. Once the probe is in place, a strong electrical current is used to generate radio waves. These waves heat up the tissue around the probe enough to kill the abnormal cells. This is confirmed during the procedure by measuring the temperature with the probe and sometimes by doing a CT scan with contrast. The treated area will not light up with the contrast.
The patient experience
Patients receiving this treatment are put to sleep by general anesthesia or by medication given by IV. Patients have no awareness of the procedure. Some have little or no pain afterwards. Other patients may have pain for a few days to a week or more.
Patients usually stay in the hospital overnight after the RFA procedures, to make sure the pain is being well managed. After going home, most patients can resume normal activity within a week. The body gradually absorbs the tumor tissue that has been destroyed.
Uses of Radiofrequency Ablation
For cancer
Radiofrequency ablation is used to treat tumors of the liver, lung, kidney and bone. The liver tumors treated may be primary tumors that originated within the liver, or other types of cancer that have spread to the liver from the breast, colon, lung and other organs.
An option for difficult surgeries
RFA is used to treat tumors that would be very difficult to operate on and remove surgically. Recovery time for the patient is shorter than for a surgery using an incision and requiring the tumor to be cut out.
Pain treatment
Radiofrequency ablation has also been used for many years to treat pain by destroying the nerves that transmit or cause it.
Physicians credentialed for Radiofrequency Ablation at Mission
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David Moore, MD, Radiologist. Asheville Radiology Associates
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Andy Brown MD, Radiologist. Asheville Radiology Associates
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Bryon Dickerson MD, Radiologist. Asheville Radiology Associates
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Paul Ahearne, MD, Surgeon. Regional Surgical Specialists.
