Radiofrequency Ablation of the Lung (RFA)

RFA of the lung is a treatment for early stage lung cancer. The interventional radiologist uses ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) to guide a needle electrode in the cancerous tumor. High-frequency electrical currents are then passed through the electrode, creating heat that destroys the abnormal cells while preserving the healthy lung tissue surrounding the tumor. We also use RFA to reduce the size of many types of cancerous tumors via chemotherapy or radiation. This treatment also provides pain relief when a tumor invades a chest wall.