Cancer treatments are in a constant state of fluctuation, adapting and progressing as new ones become available. One relatively new option that can be effective with some kinds of cancers and tumors is radiofrequency ablation. Its effectiveness is thought to be pretty high, and it could be a likely option for someone looking for non-invasive and localized treatment.

What is Radiofrequency Ablation?

In simplest terms, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is using heat to eliminate cancer by killing the cancer cells. This process is done by using electrodes with needles in them to kill the cancer areas around the tumor growth and help improve treatment of the tumor itself. This is typically used in situations where surgery can’t be done.

How effective is RFA?

The effectiveness of RFA is most commonly linked to the tumor’s size. Small tumor has the strongest chance of success, whereas larger tumors can often not show the same results. However, here are the details on the effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation to know about:

Offers treatment without surgery: Since this is done using waves, there is no need for surgery or access to the body other than the location of the tumor itself. For those who aren’t able to have surgery due to personal medical history or even a tumor that is in the bad spot, this becomes a much safer and easier alternative that gives solid results in destruction of the cells and, ideally, the tumor itself.

It can be used several times for increased effectiveness: While there are some treatments that are “one chance” opportunity, RFA can be used on recurrent tumors and cancer diagnoses with no adverse reactions. Those who need treatment more than once won’t have any bad side effects or worse outcomes than those who are considering RFA for the first time.

On a related note, there is some evidence to suggest (especially with smaller liver tumor) that ablation has the lowest rate of recurrence in tumor regrowth, even minutely. So, while it can be used several times, there is some research to suggest that it can be among the most effective treatments as well to sweeten it as an option even further.

Offers good results with few side effects: While there are side effects to RFA, like there would be for any kind of cancer treatment, they are often considered to be minor and rare, especially when compared to chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. For those plagued by side effects, this can often be a welcome change, and it can also mean that other treatments can be stomached a little easier too since there aren’t double side effects to worry about.

While RFA may not be effective for the larger or more complicated tumors that some cancer patients have, it is thought to be an effective treatment option for many. With technology and modern medicine constantly evolving and improving before our eyes, there is hope that it can become even more effective as time goes on, making it a simpler option for those with tumors in challenging locations.