Understanding this cancer
Microwave ablation places one or more probes into a tumour under ultrasound or CT guidance. Electromagnetic energy agitates water molecules and generates heat, creating a planned zone of tissue destruction.
Signs to discuss with a doctor
It is used most often for selected liver, lung, kidney, bone or other tumours when local ablation is appropriate. Tumour size, number, position, visibility and distance from vulnerable structures affect suitability.
Risk factors
Risks can include pain, bleeding, infection, thermal injury to nearby organs, collapsed lung for chest procedures, bile-duct injury in the liver and incomplete ablation or recurrence.
Tests and diagnosis
Assessment uses contrast-enhanced imaging, pathology, staging, blood count and clotting tests, organ function and anaesthetic review. The interventional radiologist plans a safe needle path and ablation margin.
Treatment approaches
Microwave ablation can be curative-intent for selected small local tumours, used with surgery or systemic therapy, or used for symptom relief. It is not a substitute for appropriate systemic treatment when disease is widespread.
Prevention and screening
This procedure does not prevent cancer and is not screening. Surveillance imaging after ablation is important to assess the treatment zone and detect residual or recurrent disease.
Questions for your care team
Why is microwave ablation preferred over surgery, radiofrequency ablation, radiation or observation? What margin is planned? What organ-specific complication risks and follow-up scans apply?
What families ask
- What is cryoablation for cancer?
Send the reports you have and we will ask partner hospitals for a written answer for your case. More questions
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