Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure for patients who have either a hepatocellar carcinoma (primary liver tumor) or a colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver. A specialty trained radiologist performs the procedure which delivers heat to the liver tumors to destroy the cancer, while sparing nearby liver tissue. Using CT or ultrasound guidance, the radiologist threads a needle electrode to the tumor site, where radiofrequency current is directed at the tumor. The heat ablates the tumor and seals the site to control bleeding. This outpatient procedure is often recommended in patients who are not good candidates for surgery. In patients where the tumor is too large for surgery or there is limited access for surgery, radiofrequency ablation is an effective treatment. The procedure is also a next step for patients who have failed to respond to chemotherapy or surgery.

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure for patients who have either a hepatocellar carcinoma (primary liver tumor) or a colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver. A specialty trained radiologist performs the procedure which delivers heat to the liver tumors to destroy the cancer, while sparing nearby liver tissue. Using CT or ultrasound guidance, the radiologist threads a needle electrode to the tumor site, where radiofrequency current is directed at the tumor. The heat ablates the tumor and seals the site to control bleeding. This outpatient procedure is often recommended in patients who are not good candidates for surgery. In patients where the tumor is too large for surgery or there is limited access for surgery, radiofrequency ablation is an effective treatment. The procedure is also a next step for patients who have failed to respond to chemotherapy or surgery.