Radio-Frequency Ablation

Also referred to as RFA, kills tumor cells with heat delivered from radiowave agitation of the cells. A relatively large needle containing multiple tines is placed inside the tumor. These tines are then deployed into the peripheral portions of the tumor and connected to a radiowave generator. Very much the same way a radiotransmitter is connected to an antenna to broadcast your local AM radio show. While the tumor cells don't hear music they do begin to vibrate during the broadcast. This vibration generates heat which rises high enough to kill the tumor cells. RFA is generally felt to be more effective than ethanol injection of liver tumors and is preferred as the treatment of choice whenever possible.