Tumor ablation

A tumor ablation is a medical procedure that destroys cancerous cells by burning, freezing, or rupturing the cells within the tumor. This procedure is increasingly being used to treat liver cancer, kidney cancer, and lung cancer. It can also help patients with painful bone cancer that has spread. It’s often done when surgery isn’t an option due to the tumor’s size or location, or the patient’s overall health.p>

This treatment is often used on its own or with other procedures. It mainly helps shrink tumors and relieve symptoms. However, for tumors 3 centimeters or smaller, it can sometimes completely remove the cancer. Some studies even show that tumor ablation can be almost as effective as surgery.

Penn Medicine is a leader in cancer care in the southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey regions. We have extensive experience in tumor ablation procedures, using advanced scientific research to ensure you get the best possible result. Our multidisciplinary team of oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, and other specialists work closely with you to determine if ablative surgery is right for you.

There are several types of ablative therapy.

• Radiofrequency ablation uses high-frequency electrical currents to heat and burn the tumor.
• Microwave ablation uses microwaves to generate heat and burn the tumor.
• Cryoablation uses liquid nitrogen or argon gas to freeze the tumor, causing the cancer cells to rupture.
• Percutaneous ethanol ablation involves injecting ethanol directly into the tumor to destroy the cancer cells.

Your Penn Medicine provider may recommend ablative surgery if:

• You have fewer than five tumors.
• Your tumors are less than 5 centimeters in diameter.
• You can’t have surgery because of other health issues.
• Your tumors have recurred after previous treatments.
• Your cancer hasn’t spread extensively and is limited to one area.

A tumor ablation is a minimally invasive procedure. That means it involves smaller incisions, less pain, and a quicker recovery time compared with open surgery. Imaging techniques like ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used to guide ablation, helping doctors target the tumor precisely.

Before your tumor ablation, your doctor will explain the procedure and answer your questions. Your care team will provide instructions on preparing for the ablation. During the procedure, you can expect:

• You’ll receive anesthesia to ensure you’re pain-free.
• Using imaging guidance, your doctor will insert a thin needle or probe through the skin to the tumor site.
• The tumor is then treated with heat, cold, or chemicals to destroy the cancer cells.
• The procedure takes one to three hours depending on the size and number of tumors.
• Once the ablation is completed, you’ll be monitored in a recovery area for a few hours. This allows your care team to ensure you’re stable and comfortable.

Recovery from ablation therapy is different for everyone. Most people resume normal activities within a few days, but you should avoid strenuous activities for at least a week. Some pain or discomfort at the treatment site is normal. Pain medication will be prescribed if needed.

Your provider will schedule follow-up visits to check your progress and ensure the tumor has been effectively treated. These check-ups also help us monitor your overall health and address any issues related to your cancer or general well-being.

Our cancer surgeons are among the most experienced in the nation at performing sophisticated procedures, even for difficult-to-treat tumors. We deliver better-than-average outcomes with low rates of complications.

When you partner with us, you can expect:

• Cancer surgery expertise: We regularly treat both rare and complex cancers. Many of our surgeons are leaders in their field, successfully performing highly technical procedures for cancers that other centers may consider inoperable.
• In-depth collaboration: Just like every patient is unique, so is every cancer diagnosis. Our medical oncologists, surgeons, and radiation oncologists work closely in teams, often communicating and coordinating your treatment. This collaborative approach ensures you receive the highest quality care.
• Care close to home: We’re here to ensure you receive excellent care right in your community. Our goal is to bring outstanding medical expertise to the greater Philadelphia, Lancaster, and Princeton areas, making treatment convenient for you.