Liver Cancer Treatment using Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapyIn the U.S., RFA therapy has become the ablation (tissue destruction) therapy of choice among surgeons for liver cancer. The surgeon can perform this procedure laparoscopically (through small holes in the abdomen) or during open exploration of the abdomen.

In some instances of this lever cancer treatment, the procedure can be done without opening the abdomen by just using ultrasound for visual guidance.

In RFA for treating liver cancer, heat is generated locally by a high frequency, alternating current that flows from the electrodes.In this lever cancer treatment a probe is inserted into the center of the tumor and the non-insulated electrodes, which are shaped like prongs, are projected into the tumor. The local heat that is generated melts the tissue (coagulative necrosis) that is adjacent to the probe. The probe is left in place for about 10 to 15 minutes. The whole procedure this liver cancer treatment is monitored visually by ultrasound scanning. The ideal size of an liver cancer tumor for RFA is less than 3 cm. Larger tumors may require more than one session. This treatment for liver cancer should be viewed as palliative (providing some relief), not curative.

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