Liver nodules are lumps (growths) of abnormal cells in the liver, which can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). One of the most common types of liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), often starts as small cancerous nodules in the liver. This condition is most frequently found in people with cirrhosis (chronic liver damage). To treat liver nodules, Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri has a team of liver specialists who can perform liver nodule ablation procedures.
What is Liver Nodule Ablation?
Liver nodule ablation can be performed using two tools: Microwave Ablation (MWA) and Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA). Both are considered effective in destroying or shrinking nodules using heat energy. The difference lies in the method: MWA uses microwave energy, while RFA uses radiofrequency waves.
1. Radiofrequency (RF) Ablation
This method uses radiofrequency waves to deliver heat through a needle that is inserted directly into the tumor/nodule. These waves cause ion vibration in the tissue, generating heat up to 60–100°C. This temperature is sufficient to destroy cancer cells, effectively killing the tumor.
2. Microwave Ablation (MWA)
This method uses microwave energy to generate high-frequency heat, which is more intense than RF. It allows for destruction of a larger tumor/nodule area in a shorter time. MWA is considered more efficient for treating larger tumors and nodules in hard-to-reach locations.
During ablation, doctors insert a needle or probe into the nodule to heat the surrounding tissue. The energy released from the needle or probe gradually generates heat, which can be adjusted according to the size of the nodule to minimize damage to healthy tissue.
The needle or probe is inserted through the skin with the help of a CT scan or other imaging tools to accurately target the nodule’s location.
The liver nodule ablation procedure may last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the type and number of nodules being treated.
Advantages of Liver Nodule Ablation
Here are some of the benefits of liver nodule ablation that patients may experience:
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Preserves most of the healthy tissue surrounding the nodule and can be repeated as needed
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Well-tolerated by patients, who can return to normal routines within a few days
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Can relieve pain and other symptoms caused by the nodule
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Guided by CT scan or other imaging tools, allowing precise targeting of the nodule
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Can be combined with other therapies if needed
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Can shrink the nodule/tumor size, making it easier to remove through chemotherapy or radiation therapy
Liver Nodule Treatment at Mandaya Liver Center
Mandaya Liver Center is equipped with liver nodule ablation procedures that destroy nodule tissue using microwave energy. The advantages of microwave ablation at Mandaya’s liver disease treatment center include fast recovery time, minimally invasive procedures, and fewer complications.
Liver nodule ablation procedures at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri are performed by interventional radiology specialist Dr. Sugianto Santoso, Sp.Rad (K)RI, an expert in liver disease treatments using methods such as MWA, RFA, and TACE for advanced-stage liver cancer.
Mandaya also has a team of experienced liver specialists who treat a wide range of liver diseases, from fatty liver and hepatitis to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
In addition to ablation, Mandaya Liver Center also offers the following facilities:
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Advanced Liver Lab (PIVKA-II, M2BPGI)
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Advanced Liver Ultrasound Elastography
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Advanced Liver Biopsy with EUS & ERCP
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Multiphase Liver CT Scan
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Liver MRI with Primovist & PDFF
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Digital PET/CT Scan
These facilities and technologies can be utilized by the medical team to support the treatment and recovery process of patients suffering from liver conditions.
Besides liver nodule ablation, Mandaya Liver Center also offers other procedures for treating liver cancer cases, such as:
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Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE): A procedure to treat liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) by injecting chemotherapy drugs directly into the blood vessels that feed the tumor.
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Liver Resection: A surgical procedure to remove a portion of the liver, typically done to treat liver cancer, benign tumors, or liver damage due to cirrhosis.
Do you have a liver condition or are looking for a hospital with comprehensive liver cancer services? Visit Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri.
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