Recent medical advances have aided in the fight against cancer. One medical advancement that has been a critical weapon against cancer is tumor ablation. For those who need a minimally invasive option to battle their illness, tumor ablation can help. Here are a few things you should know about how it works and if it can benefit you.
What is Tumor Ablation?
Tumor ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat cancerous tumors. Rather than traditional surgical methods, tumor ablation involves a probe to heat or freeze tumors to treat them. The treatment aims to treat tumors directly rather than their surrounding areas.
Who is a Candidate for Tumor Ablation?
Your eligibility for a tumor ablation procedure depends on several factors and your doctor’s advice. Tumor ablation can benefit those who are too ill to undergo traditional surgery or chemo.Â
Tumor ablation can also help those:
- Whose cancer has spread
- With bone lesions
- With Liver cancer
- lung cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Spinal Tumors
Tumor ablation may be an option for you if other methods, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, have been ineffective. Your eligibility for tumor ablation depends on your doctor’s recommendations and the nature of your cancer.
Is Tumor Ablation Painful?
A common concern among ablation patients is enduring painful procedures. While there is some discomfort at the probe’s initial insertion, the process is generally painless. Some patients experience dull aches at the procedure site, and others report feeling flu-like symptoms a few days after their ablation. Over-the-counter medications can be effective in managing these symptoms.
Risk Factors of Tumor Ablation
Although a tumor ablation is considered minimally invasive, all procedures come with some risk involved. The risk of complications depends on the organ being treated. Some hazards include bleeding, infection, or a collapsed lung.
What is the Outlook?
Success rates in tumor ablation patients vary due to tumor size. But, tumor ablation has been largely effective in tumors less than 3 cm in diameter. Some studies suggest that tumors removed by ablation have a low chance of returning. Your doctor can determine the best procedure to fit your needs and help you get on the way to good health.
Are you interested in learning more about tumor ablation? Call our Waldorf office. Please schedule a consultation by calling us at 301-979-7078.