Overview

Tumor Ablation is an advanced, image-guided procedure used to treat select lung cancers and lung tumors without removing part of the lung through surgery.

Rather than surgically removing the tumor, ablation destroys cancerous tissue using precisely controlled heat or cold delivered directly into the tumor. For appropriate patients, this approach can provide effective local tumor control while preserving healthy lung tissue and reducing recovery time.

Tumor ablation is often considered for patients who are not ideal surgical candidates, wish to avoid surgery, or require additional local treatment as part of a broader cancer care plan.

How Tumor Ablation Works

Using advanced imaging guidance:

1. CT imaging is used to precisely locate the lung tumor.
2. A specialized ablation probe is inserted through the skin and guided into the tumor.
3. Heat (microwave ablation or radiofrequency ablation) or cold (cryoablation) is delivered directly into the tumor.
4. Cancer cells are destroyed while minimizing injury to surrounding lung tissue.

The procedure is performed through a small access site without the need for open chest surgery.

Benefits of Tumor Ablation

Compared with traditional surgery, tumor ablation may offer:

• No large surgical incision
• Preservation of healthy lung tissue
• Reduced recovery time
• Outpatient or short-stay treatment
• Less disruption to daily activities
• Option for patients who may not be candidates for surgery
• Can be repeated in select cases if additional treatment is needed

For many patients, maintaining lung function while effectively treating the tumor is a significant advantage.

What to Expect

Before the Procedure:

• CT or PET imaging review
• Consultation and treatment planning
• Pulmonary and medical evaluation
• Laboratory testing
• Coordination with referring physicians and oncology specialists
• Pre-procedure instructions

During the Procedure:

• Sedation or anesthesia
• CT-guided placement of the ablation probe
• Targeted treatment of the tumor
• Typical procedure time of 1–3 hours

After the Procedure:

• Observation and recovery
• Same-day discharge or overnight observation depending on the procedure and patient condition
• Follow-up imaging to assess treatment response
• Monitoring for expected post-procedure recovery

Recovery Timeline:

• Return to light activity within several days
• Gradual return to normal activity
• Follow-up CT imaging over the following weeks and months
• Continued coordination with pulmonology and oncology teams

Who is a Good Candidate

Tumor ablation may be appropriate for patients who:

• Have a small or localized lung tumor
• Are not ideal candidates for surgery
• Have medical conditions that increase surgical risk
• Require local tumor control as part of a broader treatment strategy
• Have tumors that can be safely accessed using imaging guidance
• Wish to explore minimally invasive treatment options

A consultation and imaging review are required to determine eligibility.

Clinical Considerations

Tumor ablation is performed by interventional radiologists with specialized expertise in image-guided cancer treatment.

Treatment recommendations depend on tumor size, location, pathology, lung function, prior treatments, and overall health. Lung ablation carries procedure-specific risks including pneumothorax (collapsed lung), which may occasionally require additional treatment. Not all lung tumors are appropriate for ablation, and treatment decisions are made in coordination with the patient’s broader cancer care team and are designed to complement—not replace—comprehensive cancer care.

How Tumor Ablation Compares to Surgery