Tumour ablation for primary liver cancer

Ablation means to destroy. There are two different ways of ablating primary liver tumours, using either alcohol (percutaneous ethanol injection) or heat (radiofrequency ablation or RFA). 

The side effects of liver ablation are usually mild and can be controlled with medicines. 

Percutaneous ethanol injection Back to top

This type of treatment is used for tumours less than 5cm (2in) in size. Alcohol (ethanol) is injected through the skin and into the tumour in the liver. The alcohol can destroy the cancer cells. This procedure is usually done in the scanning department so that ultrasound can be used to guide the needle directly into the tumour. You will be given a local anaesthetic. If the tumour grows again, the treatment can be repeated.

Side effects of percutaneous ethanol injection are usually mild and include pain and fever. Let your doctor know if you develop any side effects as they can usually be controlled with medication.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) Back to top

This treatment uses laser light or radio waves to destroy the cancer cells by heating them to a very high temperature. A fine needle is passed through the skin into the tumour in the liver. Powerful laser light or radio waves are then passed through the needle and into the tumour. These heat the cancer cells.

Like percutaneous ethanol injection this treatment is done in the scanning department using ultrasound or CT (computerised tomography) scanning so that the doctor can guide the needle directly into the tumour. You may be given a local anaesthetic or a general anaesthetic.

Side effects of RFA include pain and fever, but they are usually very mild and can be controlled with medicines.

You can read more in our section on radiofrequency ablation|.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), which advises doctors about treatment, has issued guidance on the use of RFA for primary liver cancer. The guidance states that RFA can be helpful at destroying hepatocelullar carcinoma, which may improve survival. The guidance also recommends that RFA is given using ultrasound or CT scanning, and that people having the treatment are cared for by a multidisciplinary team that includes a liver surgeon.