PATIENT INFORMATION:
RFA OVERVIEW

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive method of destroying tumors that cannot be removed surgically. It is safe, fast, relatively inexpensive, and has been proven to work.

Why RFA
The preferred method for treating cancerous tumors is to surgically remove the affected area—to cut the diseased tissue out of the body. In some cases, this is not possible. For example, a tumor may be located in an area that is too sensitive to reach surgically, or removal of the affected portion may destroy too much of the healthy tissue around a tumor. RFA allows doctors to kill the tumor for the inside out, without harming healthy tissue that is vital for the organ to function.

RFA is particularly useful for patients who can’t withstand surgery because they have immune deficiencies, are taking blood thinners, or have other contraindications. In addition, RFA can treat tumors that don’t respond to radiation or chemotherapy.

How RFA Works
In RFA, a needle electrode is inserted under the skin and guided to the tumor, using imaging technology such as ultrasound or CT. When the needle electrode is correctly positioned, radio waves cause the molecules in the tissue around the tip to begin moving, which produces friction that heats and kills the diseased tissue. That effect is localized—healthy tissue farther from the needle electrode is not destroyed. Depending on the size of the tumor, the needle electrode may be moved and the process will start again. It will continue until all of the diseased tissue is destroyed. That dead tumor does not need to be removed surgically; it will shrink and gradually be absorbed by the body and replaced with scar tissue.