TREATMENT

Tumor Ablation

IMAGE-GUIDED TUMOR TREATMENT

Tumor ablation is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure used to destroy selected tumor tissue using heat, cold, or other targeted energy. For appropriate patients, ablation may be part of a broader oncology treatment plan.
  • Targets selected tumors
  • Uses image guidance
  • Destroys tumor tissue
  • Minimally invasive option
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Evaluation & Next Steps

  • Clear severity assessment and next steps
  • Supportive care and recovery guidance
  • Care across 4 Las Vegas locations
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Quick Summary

Key takeaway: Tumor ablation treats selected tumors by placing a probe into or near the tumor and using targeted energy to destroy abnormal tissue.

The procedure may be considered for certain liver, kidney, lung, bone, or soft tissue tumors depending on tumor type, size, location, imaging findings, organ function, and the overall treatment plan.

WHAT IS TUMOR ABLATION?

Tumor ablation is an image-guided treatment that destroys selected tumor tissue without a large open incision. A probe is guided into or near the tumor using imaging such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI, depending on the treatment location.

Ablation may use heat, cold, microwave energy, radiofrequency energy, or other methods to damage the targeted tissue. The goal may be local tumor control, symptom relief, or treatment of a small tumor when surgery is not preferred or not appropriate.

Tumor ablation is not appropriate for every tumor. The decision depends on tumor type, size, number, location, nearby structures, organ function, and the patient’s broader oncology care plan.

Who May Be a Good Candidate

  • Selected tumor type
  • Small localized tumor
  • Surgery not preferred
  • Image-guided access possible
  • Oncology plan supports it
A full evaluation helps determine whether tumor ablation is appropriate based on diagnosis, tumor size, location, imaging findings, organ function, and treatment goals.

Conditions Treated

Tumor ablation may be considered for selected tumors where image-guided destruction of targeted tissue can support the treatment plan.

Liver Tumors

Selected liver tumors may be treated with image-guided ablation depending on size, number, and location.

Kidney Tumors

Some small kidney tumors may be evaluated for ablation when surgery is not the preferred option.

Bone Tumors

Ablation may help treat selected painful bone lesions or tumors as part of a broader care plan.

Soft Tissue Tumors

Some accessible soft tissue tumors may be considered for targeted image-guided treatment.

Benefits of Treatment

  • Targets tumor tissue
  • Avoids large incision
  • May support local control
  • Can reduce symptoms
  • Uses image guidance
Benefits depend on tumor type, size, location, treatment goal, organ function, and follow-up imaging.

How the Procedure Works / What to Expect

Tumor ablation is performed with imaging guidance. A probe is positioned in or near the tumor, and targeted energy is applied to destroy the treatment zone.

Preparation Before Treatment

  • Imaging is reviewed
  • Lab work may be checked
  • Treatment goal is confirmed

During the Procedure

  • Imaging guides placement
  • Probe targets the tumor
  • Energy treats tissue

Recovery & Aftercare

  • Monitoring may continue
  • Soreness may occur
  • Follow-up imaging is needed

Risks / Considerations

  • Pain can occur
  • Bleeding is possible
  • Incomplete treatment is possible

Related Treatments / Alternatives

Depending on tumor type, blood supply, and treatment goals, tumor ablation may be considered alongside other image-guided oncology procedures.

Tumor Embolization

An image-guided procedure used to reduce blood flow to selected tumors.

Embolization

A broader image-guided technique used to block targeted blood flow in selected conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tumor ablation is a minimally invasive image-guided procedure that uses heat, cold, or other targeted energy to destroy selected tumor tissue.
Ablation may be considered for selected tumors depending on type, size, number, location, organ function, and the overall oncology treatment plan.
Tumor ablation is usually minimally invasive and performed through a small skin puncture rather than a large open incision.
No. Ablation destroys tissue using targeted energy, while embolization blocks blood flow through vessels. In some cases, both may be part of care.
Risks may include pain, bleeding, infection, injury to nearby structures, incomplete treatment, organ-specific risks, or need for additional care.
Planning depends on diagnosis, imaging, tumor size and location, lab results, organ function, other treatments, and the patient's overall health.

Locations

LVVIS offers evaluation and treatment planning at multiple Las Vegas locations. Choose the office that is most convenient when scheduling your visit.

LVVIS West Side Consultation Office

8930 W Sunset Rd, Suite 350
Las Vegas, NV 89148

Consultations and vascular evaluations

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LV2 Limb & Vascular Division

8930 W Sunset Rd, Suite 350
Las Vegas, NV 89148

Limb preservation and podiatry partnership care

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LVVIS East Procedure Office

2250 E Flamingo Rd, Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV 89119

Procedures, diagnostics, and circulatory care

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LVVIS West Side Surgical Center

6120 S Fort Apache Rd, Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV 89148

Advanced vascular and interventional procedures

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