Radiofrequency ablation
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a lung cancer treatment that does not involve surgery.
RFA uses heat to destroy cancer cells. A probe called an electrode sends an electrical current to the tumour. The electrical current heats the cancer cells to high temperatures and destroys (or ablates) them. The cancer cells die and the area which has been treated slowly shrinks and becomes scar tissue.
RFA may not destroy all of the cancer cells the first time that you have the treatment. Some people may need to have the treatment done more than once. The treatment usually takes between one and three hours and
can be repeated if the tumour starts to grow again.
When is radiofrequency ablation used?
Radiofrequency ablation can be used alone as a treatment, or it can be used alongside other treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
RFA can be used to treat primary or secondary lung cancer.
RFA is a good treatment option if:
Benefits of radiofrequency ablation
- RFA does not involve a surgical operation
- Side effects and complications from RFA are less common and less serious than with surgery
- Recovery is quicker following RFA than surgical operations
Who can I contact for further information?
If you have any questions or would like to talk to one of our
team, please contact
Julia Beeson - RFA clinical nurse specialist
Tel: 01895 828 989
Dr Paras Dalal - consultant cardiothoracic radiologist
Tel: 01895 828 609
You can read more about radiofrequency ablation in our patient information leaflet:
