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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|.
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Radiofrequency ablation uses heat to destroy cancer cells. It's usually only used when a person has a very early stage cancer and other treatments are not suitable.
Your doctor will place a needle into the lung tumour. This is usually done using a CT scanner| to make sure the needle is in the right place. Radiowaves are then passed down the needle into the tumour to heat and destroy the cancer cells.
There are very few side effects with this treatment although it's quite common for people to have some painor discomfort and to feel tired afterwards. You usually need to stay in hospital overnight for this treatment.
We have more detailed information about radiofrequency ablation|.
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