Why is radiofrequency ablation system used in tumour ablation?

During the procedure, a clinician guides a thin probe into or beside the tumour, often using imaging to confirm its position. Radiofrequency energy travels from the probe into nearby tissue and produces heat. The heat disrupts the cells in the treated zone. The treated tissue is then gradually cleared or replaced as the body heals.

This approach can be considered when a tumour is in a suitable location and size, or when surgery would be difficult or needlessly extensive. It may be used alone or alongside other cancer treatments. The system does not remove every tumour and is not appropriate for every person; tumour location, number, size, general health and treatment goals all matter.

Your team may review scans, blood tests, medicines and your ability to lie still for the procedure. Tell them about blood-thinning medicines, allergies, pregnancy, implanted devices and any infection or fever. Follow the fasting and medicine instructions you receive.

Afterward, expect monitoring for a period and follow wound-care instructions for the probe site. Mild soreness, tiredness or a short-lived temperature can occur, depending on the treated area. Keep the follow-up appointment so imaging can show how the treated zone is changing and whether further treatment is needed.

Contact your treatment team promptly for worsening pain, increasing redness or swelling at the puncture site, drainage, persistent fever, repeated vomiting, new weakness, breathing difficulty or unusual bleeding. Seek urgent care for severe breathing trouble, fainting, confusion, sudden severe pain or heavy bleeding. The warning signs depend partly on the organ treated, so keep the discharge instructions available.

Ask which part of the tumour is intended for treatment, how imaging will guide the probe, whether you need another treatment, what symptoms are expected after the procedure, and how follow-up scans will assess the result. Also ask which medicines to pause and whom to contact outside clinic hours.