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Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
Find out how we produce our information|
Although still relatively new, RFA| has been used more widely over the past 10 years, especially for cancer which started in the bowel| (colon).
It may be used if someone has previously had surgery| or if they’re not fit enough to have surgery.
RFA uses radiowaves to destroy cancer cells by heating them to high temperatures. A sedative drug is given to make you feel drowsy and a local anaesthetic used to numb the skin of your abdomen. Sometimes RFA is given using a general anaesthetic. A fine needle is inserted through the skin over the liver and into the centre of each tumour. RFA is usually given using guidance from a CT scan| or ultrasound to make sure the needles go into the right place. Radiowaves are passed through the needle and into the tumours. These heat the cancer cells and destroy them.
This technique takes about 10-15 minutes and can be used to treat tumours up to 5cm (2in) in size. Usually a person is able to go home a few hours after they’ve had the treatment.
Side effects of the treatment may include bleeding, so you may need to have a blood transfusion|. Very occasionally the gall bladder or bile duct may be damaged.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE)| has produced information for patients to help them understand the benefits and risks of this procedure.
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