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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Radiofrequency Ablation
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
Radiofrequency Ablation
by Artishere, Mar 26, 2001 12:00AM
My wifes breast cancer has moved to her liver and I was wondering If removing it with radiofrequency ablation would be appropriate?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-JS, Mar 26, 2001 12:00AM
Dear Artishere,
Radiofrequency ablation uses high-energy radio signals to “cook” and destroy inoperable liver tumors. The technology uses a tiny, umbrella-shaped probe to heat cancerous tumors from the inside. Using ultrasound to guide them, surgeons and radiologists insert the probe into the tumors. Once the probe is inside, doctors deploy ten tentacle-like extensions from its tip and apply as much as 90 watts of power to generate heat.
Radio frequency ablation is not for all liver tumors. In general, there can be no more than four separate tumors and they must be less than five centimeters in size. Each case is evaluated individually.
In your wife’s case questions that would need to be considered before a recommendation is made for this treatment are; her past treatment, length of time since previous treatment, has the cancer spread to any other sites, the number and size of the tumor/tumors.
In cases where the tumors have spread from another site, radio frequency ablation is not likely to be a cure. But it may improve survival and quality of life. With breast cancer chemotherapy can be a very effective treatment and radiofrequency ablation may be considered in addition to chemotherapy.
Radiofrequency ablation uses high-energy radio signals to “cook” and destroy inoperable liver tumors. The technology uses a tiny, umbrella-shaped probe to heat cancerous tumors from the inside. Using ultrasound to guide them, surgeons and radiologists insert the probe into the tumors. Once the probe is inside, doctors deploy ten tentacle-like extensions from its tip and apply as much as 90 watts of power to generate heat.
Radio frequency ablation is not for all liver tumors. In general, there can be no more than four separate tumors and they must be less than five centimeters in size. Each case is evaluated individually.
In your wife’s case questions that would need to be considered before a recommendation is made for this treatment are; her past treatment, length of time since previous treatment, has the cancer spread to any other sites, the number and size of the tumor/tumors.
In cases where the tumors have spread from another site, radio frequency ablation is not likely to be a cure. But it may improve survival and quality of life. With breast cancer chemotherapy can be a very effective treatment and radiofrequency ablation may be considered in addition to chemotherapy.
