Tumor Ablation Therapies

Microwave ablation

Microwave ablation, like radiofrequency ablation, kills tumors cells by heating the tissue around needles placed through the skin of a sleeping patient.

Radiofrequency ablation

An advanced, minimally invasive procedure that uses a heat-generating, electrode-tipped catheter.

Cryoablation

This technique uses extreme cold to destroy a tumor and is performed under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure.

MR guided focused ultrasound ablation

Tumors are treated by focusing ultrasound energy through the skin at the tumor, without the need for placing a probe in the tumor. MR imaging allows precise tumor targeting, confirms adequate heating of the tumor during ablation, and provides immediate confirmation of treatment results.

Radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, cryoablation and MR guided focused ultrasound ablation facts:

  • Most effective when all the cancer is localized and still small
  • Can be used to treat primary liver cancer and tumors that have metastasized (spread) from other areas in the body to the liver
  • Also used to treat focal tumors in bone, kidney, muscle, and other tissues
  • Easy to recover from, with most patients resuming their normal routine the next day
  • Can reduce or relieve pain for many patients
  • Can be repeated if necessary
  • May be combined with other treatment options
  • Active research program at Stanford Hospital studying newer technologies