Читать книгу The Cancer Directory - Dr. Daniel Rosy - Страница 116

This uses electrical energy to create heat at a specific location up to a specific temperature and for a specific period of time and, ultimately, results in the death of unwanted tissue.

The ablation probe is placed directly into the tumour tissue. The radiofrequency energy flows through electrodes, causing ionic agitation and, therefore, friction in the nearby tissue. This friction creates heat and, once sufficient temperatures have been reached, the heat will kill the target tissue within a matter of minutes.

This procedure can be used for liver tumours:

• by putting an electrode through the skin and using an ultrasound, CT or MRI scanner to guide the needle to the tumour

• during open abdominal surgery, when the specialist has direct access to the liver

• during a laparoscopic or ‘keyhole’ surgical technique.

Heat is a very effective means of killing cancer tissue. As tissue temperatures rise above 113°F (50°C), protein is permanently damaged and cell membranes fuse. The process is rapid, typically requiring less than 10–15 minutes of exposure for a 3-cm tumour. This can be done without causing too much damage to surrounding tissues. There are some specialists in the UK who use this procedure, but it is only useful for tumours that are 5 cm or less in size.

Effects are similar to that of a microwave, where heat is generated from the inside out. Destroyed cells are reabsorbed by the body over time.