Article - Ablation Of Tumors | Dr. Mauda Havakuk

Ablation Of Tumors

Tumor ablation is a minimally invasive treatment method used to destroy cancer cells using heat, cold, laser, or other energy sources.
The indications for performing tumor ablation include a variety of body areas, as specified below.

The procedure is performed in dedicated imaging rooms under the precise guidance of ultrasound or CT, allowing the specialist physician to visualize the tumor and adjacent blood vessels in real time.
Before the procedure, the patient undergoes a series of tests including coagulation functions and blood counts, and is required to fast for several hours.
Following local anesthesia and deep sedation, the physician inserts the ablation needle through the skin directly into the core of the tumor.
There are several methods for delivering energy, including radiofrequency waves that generate heat, microwave technology which allows for the rapid treatment of larger tumors, or controlled freezing known as cryoablation, which uses argon gas to create an ice ball around the tumor.
The generated energy causes the destruction of tumor cells, turning them into scar tissue that is absorbed by the body over time while maximizing the preservation of healthy tissue surrounding the treated organ.

A skilled medical team monitors the patient throughout the procedure, which typically lasts between one and two hours. This focused approach allows for highly effective treatment of tumors where access via traditional surgery would have required extensive resection of part of the organ or full abdominal opening.
The method enables very high precision thanks to the combination of technological equipment and modern imaging capabilities, which significantly reduces the impact on the overall function of the liver or kidney and allows for the maintenance of the patient's quality of life.
After the procedure is completed, the patient is moved to a recovery room for several hours of close observation before being discharged home. This procedure is considered a milestone in modern oncological care, providing high-quality treatment with minimal disruption to daily life.

Hepatic Tumors
Primary liver tumors: hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Liver metastases: Colorectal cancer, Neuroendocrine metastases and more.
Indications: small tumors or tumors that cannot be surgically resected due to their location or the general health status of the patient.

Renal Tumors

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC): primarily for small tumors (up to 4 cm).
Indications: tumors in areas accessible for ablation and for patients who are not suitable for surgery due to general health status.

Chest and Lung Tumors
Primary tumors: early-stage non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).
Lung metastases: from other cancerous sources in the body.
Chest indications: intended for patients who are not suitable for lung surgery due to poor pulmonary function, underlying diseases, or other medical reasons preventing surgical operation.

Bone Tumors
Bone metastases: causing uncontrollable pain and reduced quality of life.
Primary bone tumors: such as osteoid osteoma.

Breast Tumors
Tumor type: small primary tumors or lymph node metastases.
Indications: patients who cannot undergo surgery for medical or cosmetic reasons.

Among the advantages are

Performed using a thin needle, which significantly reduces the risk of infection and bleeding compared to surgery.
The hospitalization period is short, and the return to routine life is faster than with open surgeries.
Involves less pain and discomfort following the treatment, which reduces the need for pain-relieving medications.
Maximum precision allows for accurate targeting of the tumor while preserving healthy tissues and organ function.
Can be repeated if the tumor recurs and can be combined with other treatments )chemotherapy or radiation).
The method enables treatment for patients who are unfit for surgery due to poor health or other risk factors.

Disadvantages and risks

There is a possibility of tumor recurrence if the ablation margins did not cover all the cancerous tissue.
The treatment is less effective for large tumors and is primarily recommended for tumors up to 3-4 cm in size.
The treatment may cause local damage to adjacent organs, such as bowel perforation or gallbladder injury.
There is a risk of developing a collapsed lung (Pneumothorax).
The patient may experience local pain or a temporary fever in the treated area following the procedure.
The tumor's location relative to major blood vessels or vital organs may prevent the possibility of ablation
Frequent post-treatment imaging is required to verify the ablation completion.