What is Radio Frequency Ablation? 
Written by Beth C, November 2001
Updated by doctordee November 2003

Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) is a procedure that can be used to destroy  tumors in the liver, lungs, bone, kidney, pancreas, and adrenal gland, as well as other locations.  RFA is carried out by an Interventional Radiologist, who is a medical doctor who has specialized in this field.

RFA works by passing radio frequency energy through the tumor. Heat is generated at the site of the tumor through agitation caused by this energy. This heat produces coagulation and cellular destruction --necrosis -- resulting in destruction of the lesion or tissue. The electrode is heated on the way out, sterilizing the track, to prevent local recurrences due to implantation seeding of tumor cells. 

Radio Frequency Ablation is a specialized technique, and should be carried out in a specialized treatment center. 

How does it work? 
Using conventional imaging methods -- ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI -- an electrode is positioned strategically within the lesion. The electrode is then connected to a radiofrequency generator and the energy is delivered into the tissue. As the cells are heated, they are destroyed. The mechanism of RFA is similar to that of a microwave oven, heating from the inside out. The tissue reabsorbs the destroyed cells over a period of time. 

<b>For fuller information about RFA,  please see the &&url
as well as the following:</b>

1. Search Pubmed for &&url
As of November 2003, there are 28 articles listed in this search.

2. Effect of Radio Frequency Ablation on Lung Cancer.
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3.Percutaneous imaging-guided radio frequency ablation (RFA) of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) in lung
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4. Percutaneous Imaging-Guided Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) of Secondary Colorectal Cancers (CRC) in Lung.
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5. Radio Frequency Ablation (Rfa) of Metastatic Lesions in Adrenocortical Cancer (Acc) 
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6. Chest
Radiofrequency thermal ablation of a metastatic lung nodule
..."This case illustrates the use of RF ablation in a patient in whom surgical resection was no longer possible and where chemotherapy was unlikely to produce benefit. This technique may offer a viable method of cytoreduction when other treatments have not succeeded."
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7. European Radiology Issue: Volume 12, Supplement 3 December 2002 Pages: S166 - S170 
Radiofrequency thermal ablation of a metastatic lung nodule
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8. <b>NOTE: There are &&url for RFA, some of which are for pulmonary metastases. </b>
