Currently, surgery is the main treatment for malignant tumors. However, many patients with malignant tumors lose the opportunity for surgery due to various reasons. To address the treatment challenges faced by these patients, microwave ablation has emerged.
Principle
Under ultrasound or CT guidance, microwave ablation needle directly inserted into the tumor. Microwave is a high-frequency electromagnetic wave that, when it interacts with tissue, is absorbed in large amounts, rapidly generating heat within the tissue. This can raise the temperature to 60-70°C in a short time, causing the tumor to undergo instantaneous thermal coagulation and denaturation, leading to irreversible necrosis. Because microwave ablation minimally affects the surrounding normal tissues, it can effectively and quickly kill tumor cells, inhibit their spread, and preserve the normal function of organs.
Indications
1. Thyroid nodules and thyroid tumors;
2. Benign tumors such as breast fibromas and breast cysts;
3. Solid tumors like liver cancer and lung cancer;
4. Early-stage tumors in patients unwilling to undergo surgery;
5. Metastatic tumors.
Advantages
1. Minimally invasive procedure with no surgical incisions, meeting patients' cosmetic needs.
2. Short treatment time with rapid effectiveness.
3. Minimal trauma and bleeding, leading to quick recovery after treatment.
4. Safer procedure with no toxic side effects from radiation or chemotherapy, and no damage to the immune system.
5. It can preserve the normal function of organs, particularly notably in preserving thyroid function due to minimal damage to surrounding normal tissues.
6. Due to the minimal tissue damage, it can be repeated multiple times for patients with recurrence or metastasis.
7. Relatively lower cost.
Contraindications
1. Excessively large tumors;
2. Tumors located near nerves, major blood vessels, and hollow organs;
3. Widespread systemic metastasis, diffuse liver disease;
4. Severe coagulation dysfunction;
5. Severe liver or kidney impairment;
6. Severe cardiopulmonary insufficiency;
7. Acute or active infections in any body part;
8. Thyroid nodules combined with acute thyroiditis or Hashimoto's thyroiditis;
9. Individuals with a history of keloid formation.
Technical Advantages
1. High safety: The procedure is performed under high-definition ultrasound guidance, allowing precise scanning and localization of lesions, reducing the risk of damage to normal tissues and surrounding nerves and blood vessels while preserving thyroid function.
2. Short time: The procedure takes only 15 to 30 minutes, with minimal trauma, allowing patients to quickly return to their normal lives and work.
3. Natural aesthetics: The incision is approximately 1.4 mm, with complete removal and no scarring.
4. Wide applicability: Even small nodules that are difficult to locate can be precisely ablated under ultrasound guidance, allowing multiple nodules to be treated in one session.
5. Significant effects: Ultrasound-guided microwave ablation is thorough and complete, with a low risk of residual recurrence; necrotic tissue can gradually be absorbed, causing minimal damage to the thyroid and significantly reducing the risk of lifelong medication for surgery-related hypothyroidism.
Advantages of Microwave Ablation for Thyroid Tumors
Microwave ablation for thyroid tumors is a minimally invasive technique guided by ultrasound, using a 1.4 mm diameter probe to emit high-frequency microwaves, generating localized high temperatures to instantly destroy and reduce tumors. This technique is characterized by minimal trauma, short duration, no scarring, and high safety and precision, with good preservation of thyroid function after treatment, eliminating the need for lifelong medication. It is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a minimally invasive treatment for benign thyroid lesions.
Advantages of Microwave Ablation for Breast Tumors
1. No incisions and no scarring; needle instead of scalpel.
The ultra-minimally invasive, precisely visual microwave ablation does not harm adjacent organs or gland tissues, allowing for easy removal of lesion tissue with a needle-sized incision that heals quickly without scarring.
2. One procedure takes only 15-30 minutes.
The entire process typically takes 15-30 minutes for breast fibromas within 2 cm, making it not only convenient but also reassuring for patients. Patients can get out of bed 2 hours after microwave ablation and be discharged within a day.
3. Local anesthesia for increased safety and no pain.
The entire procedure is painless and does not damage existing glandular tissue. The procedure is completed while the patient is awake, avoiding the risks associated with traditional anesthesia.
4. More thorough procedure with no residues or recurrences.