Hyperthermia in Cancer
Hyperthermia in cancer is the use of heat to treat cancer. This treatment can be done using different methods, including
- Radiofrequency ablation,
- Microwave ablation, and
- High-intensity focused ultrasound
Hyperthermia in cancer has been shown to be effective in killing cancer cells and shrinking tumors. It is often used in combination with other treatments, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-frequency energy waves to kill cancer cells. RFA can be used to treat both primary and secondary cancers. RFA is typically performed using a needle that is inserted into the tumor. The high-frequency energy waves are then passed through the needle, causing the cancer cells to heat up and die.
RFA is generally considered to be a safe and effective treatment for cancer. However, as with any treatment, there are potential risks and side effects associated with RFA. These risks and side effects will vary depending on the individual patient.
Microwave ablation is a minimally invasive treatment for cancer. It uses high-energy waves to destroy cancer cells. Microwave ablation is often used to treat liver cancer, but it can also be used to treat other types of cancer, including kidney cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer.
The microwave ablation procedure is usually performed using local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the tumor. During the procedure, your doctor will insert a needle into the tumor. A probe that emits microwaves will then be inserted through the needle and into the tumor. The microwaves will heat up and destroy the tumor cells.
Microwave ablation is usually done on an outpatient basis, which means that you can go home the same day as the procedure. The procedure usually takes less than an hour to complete. After the procedure, you may experience some side effects, such as pain, swelling, and bruising at the site of the needle insertion. These side effects are usually mild and resolve within a few days.
Microwave ablation is generally safe and effective. Complications from the procedure are rare but can include bleeding, infection, and damage to nearby organs. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, talk to your doctor about whether microwave ablation is right for you.
HIFU, or high-intensity focused ultrasound, is a treatment that uses sound waves to target and destroy cancer cells. The sound waves are so powerful that they can heat and destroy the cancer cells without harming nearby healthy tissue.
HIFU has been used to treat various types of cancer, including prostate, breast, pancreatic, and liver cancer. In most cases, HIFU is used to treat cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic cancer).