Tumor Ablation treatment Mountain View
Tumor Ablation: Precise, Minimally Invasive Cancer Treatment | FKMD

Tumor Ablation: Precise, Minimally Invasive Cancer Treatment

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by all the treatment options. One method you may not have heard of is tumor ablation—a safe and precise way to destroy cancer cells without major surgery.

At FKMD, we offer minimally invasive treatments like tumor ablation to help patients heal faster and with fewer side effects. This blog will walk you through what tumor ablation is, how it works, and who it’s for.

What Is Tumor Ablation?

Tumor ablation is a way to treat cancer by destroying tumors directly using heat, cold, or other energy. Instead of removing the tumor with surgery, we use a thin needle-like tool (called a probe) and guide it straight to the tumor using imaging—like a CT scan or ultrasound. Once the probe is in place, we destroy the cancer cells using one of the following methods:

  • Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) – High energy burns the tumor from the inside.
  • Microwave Ablation (MWA) – Uses microwave energy for deeper, faster heating.
  • Cryoablation – Extreme cold freezes and kills the cancer cells.
  • Chemical Ablation – Alcohol or other agents are used to destroy the tumor.

These treatments are highly focused, so they don’t damage the healthy tissue around the tumor.

What Types of Cancer Can Be Treated?

Tumor ablation is often used for small tumors in areas like:

  • Liver
  • Lungs
  • Kidneys
  • Bones

It’s a good option if the cancer can’t be removed with surgery or if surgery would be too risky. Some people get tumor ablation along with other treatments like chemotherapy or radiation.

What Are the Benefits?

Many people choose tumor ablation because it offers some big advantages:

  • No large incisions – just a small puncture site
  • Shorter recovery time – most people go home the same day
  • Less pain and fewer side effects than traditional surgery
  • Can be repeated if new tumors develop
  • Works well even if surgery isn’t an option

What Happens During the Procedure?

Most tumor ablations take about 1–2 hours. You’ll be given medication to help you relax or fall asleep. Your doctor will use imaging to guide a tiny probe to the tumor. Once it’s in the right spot, the treatment is delivered right into the tumor.

Afterward, you’ll rest for a short time. Most people go home the same day and return to normal activities within a few days.

Is Tumor Ablation Right for Me?

Not everyone is a candidate for tumor ablation, but many people are—especially if the tumor is small and can be reached safely with imaging. The best way to know is to talk to an interventional radiologist who can review your case and recommend the best options.

Let’s Talk About Your Options

At FKMD, we’re proud to offer advanced, image-guided cancer care that’s gentle, effective, and personalized. If you’ve been told you’re not a candidate for surgery—or if you’re looking for a less invasive treatment—tumor ablation might be the solution.

📞 Call us at 650-404-8445 to schedule a consultation.