Ablation destroys a tumor without removing it, usually through a thin probe guided into the tumor with imaging (ultrasound, CT). Radiofrequency and microwave ablation heat and kill the tissue; cryoablation freezes it; other approaches use ethanol injection or irreversible electroporation. It is minimally invasive and often done through the skin (percutaneous), sometimes during surgery. Ablation works best for small tumors and is widely used for liver, kidney and lung tumors, some bone metastases, and other sites — as a curative option for select small cancers or to control disease and relieve symptoms.
Usually by an interventional radiologist using image guidance, under sedation or anesthesia. A probe is placed into the tumor and energy is applied to destroy it, often as an outpatient or short-stay procedure through a tiny skin puncture.
Recovery is typically quick compared with surgery — often home the same or next day, with some soreness at the site. Follow-up imaging checks that the tumor was fully treated; retreatment is possible if a margin remains.