Liver Cancer Treatments – Radiofrequency Ablation
Liver Cancer Treatments- Radiofrequency ablation, sometimes referred to as RFA, is a minimally invasive treatment for cancer. It is an image-guided technique that heats and destroys cancer cells.
In Liver Cancer Treatments- radiofrequency ablation, imaging techniques such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used to help guide a needle electrode into a cancerous tumor.
Taking this kinds of Liver Cancer Treatments,a straight needle like probe will kill the tissues around it in a limited elliptical fashion which will not kill or “ablate” all of the cancer it is put in, except for the very smallest cancers. However, two advances have made RFA a worthwhile endeavor.
First, Liver Cancer Treatments- Radiofrequency Ablation, the ability to localize quite well tumors of sizes down to a centimeter by intraoperative ultrasound allows pinpoint accuracy in finding where the tumors are.
Second, new technologies which allow the tumors to be cooked slowly and over a broader field allow bigger tumor masses to be killed. Liver Cancer Treatments- Radiofrequency Ablation, the engineering of multiple tines on these probes allows the ablation of lesions up to 6 to 7 centimeters.
This greatly expands the clinical application of this technology in a much wider range of patients needing liver cancer treatments .
How should you prepared for Liver Cancer Treatments – Radiofrequency Ablation?
before taking Liver Cancer Treatments- Radiofrequency Ablation, you should report to your doctor all medications that you are taking, including herbal supplements, and if you have any allergies, especially to local anesthetic medications, general anesthesia or to contrast materials (also known as “dye” or “x-ray dye”).
to preparing Liver Cancer Treatments- Radiofrequency Ablation, your physician may advise you to stop taking aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or a blood thinner for a specified period of time before your procedure. Prior to your procedure, your blood may be tested to determine how well your liver and kidneys are functioning and whether your blood clots normally.
Women should always inform their physician or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant,especially preparing with this kinds of Liver Cancer Treatments. Many imaging tests are not performed during pregnancy so as not to expose the fetus to radiation. If an x-ray is necessary, precautions will be taken to minimize radiation exposure to the baby. See the Safety page for more information about pregnancy and x-rays.
before Liver Cancer Treatments- Radiofrequency Ablation, you may be instructed not to eat or drink anything after midnight before your procedure. Your doctor will tell you which medications you may take in the morning.
You should plan to have a relative or friend drive you home after your procedure.
You may be asked to wear a gown during the procedure.