Radiofrequency Ablation

In radiofrequency ablation (RFA), the interventional radiologist guides a probe-tipped catheter to the site of the tumor while watching real-time images on a monitor. Once in place, a generator sends radiofrequency energy through the probe. Heat kills the cancer cells surrounding the probe. Because the probe is placed directly on the tumor, healthy surrounding tissue is spared. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis and takes less than one hour to complete.

The skilled interventional radiologists at Boston Medical Center offer several state-of-the-art, minimally invasive cancer treatments, including RFA. Because it is minimally invasive, RFA has fewer complications, risks, and side effects than open surgical tumor removal.

To learn more about RFA, click here.