When is tumour ablation recommended for liver metastases?

Liver metastases are cancer deposits that started in another part of the body. During ablation, imaging guides a probe into a selected deposit, where heat or freezing damages the targeted cancer tissue. The plan depends on the number, size and position of the deposits, the primary cancer, liver function and whether disease is present elsewhere.

A cancer team may combine ablation with medicines, surgery, radiation or another liver-directed treatment. Ablation can focus on a deposit that is causing a problem or on sites that can be reached safely. It does not replace treatment for cancer outside the liver, so the whole treatment plan matters.

Ask the oncology team to review all recent scans and explain which lesions are being considered. Discuss whether a biopsy is needed, how the primary cancer affects treatment choice, and whether ablation will be used alone or alongside systemic treatment. Mention prior liver procedures, liver disease, medicines and bleeding problems.

Clarify the expected hospital stay, restrictions after the procedure and the schedule for follow-up scans. Arrange help at home if you feel tired or sore after treatment, and follow the team’s instructions about medicines and preparation.

After ablation, call the care team for worsening abdominal pain, fever, persistent vomiting, increasing jaundice, unusual swelling or changes at the probe site. Seek urgent help for fainting, severe weakness, confusion, trouble breathing or heavy bleeding. Before treatment, seek urgent assessment for sudden severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood or new confusion.

Ask: Which liver deposits are suitable for ablation? What is the goal of treating them locally? How will treatment of the original cancer continue? Could nearby bile ducts or blood vessels affect the plan? Which scan will show the response, and what are the next options if a deposit remains?