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Treatment of kidney cancer

Ablation therapy

Ablation therapy is a treatment that uses heat, cold, or other methods to destroy abnormal tissue, including cancer cells. This section explains how it works, its benefits, and what to expect.

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Kidney cancerTreatment of kidney cancer

About ablation therapy

Ablation therapy is a type of treatment that doesn’t require major surgery. Doctors use it to destroy abnormal tissue, like small tumours, which can happen with kidney cancer. The goal is to get rid of as many cancer cells as possible. This treatment works by either heating or freezing the cancer cells to kill them. 

The different types of ablation therapy are:

  • Cryoablation: this treatment uses very cold temperatures to freeze and destroy abnormal tissue.
  • High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU): this method uses focused sound waves to heat and destroy tissue.
  • Radiofrequency ablation: this technique uses heat from radio waves to kill abnormal tissue.

Although these treatments are gentler on your body, the cancer may be more likely to come back compared to having part of the kidney removed with surgery. Ask your doctor to explain to you the benefits and risks so you can choose the best treatment for you.

Ablation therapy destroys tumour cells in the kidney by either heating or freezing them.
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Questions to ask your doctor

The information provided here is general and may vary based on where you live. You may want to ask your doctor for advice that's specific to your situation. 

Here are some questions you can ask your doctor:

  • What kind of ablation therapy do you recommend for me?
  • Why is this a better option for me than surgery?
  • How well does this treatment work for my type of kidney cancer?
  • What side effects should I expect?
  • Will it hurt after the procedure? How can I manage the pain?
  • Could this treatment harm other parts of my body?
  • What are the chances that the cancer will come back?
  • Are there other treatments I should think about?
  • What happens if the tumour doesn’t go away or comes back?
  • If needed, can I still have surgery later?

These questions can help you understand your treatment and feel more prepared.

This chapter contains general information about ablation therapy for kidney cancer.It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for guidance on your individual medical situation.

Last updated: February 2025

Other possible treatments

Ablation therapyAntiangiogenic therapyCytoreductive nephrectomyImmunotherapyPartial nephrectomyRadical nephrectomyRadiotherapy

Situations

Treatment of kidney cancerLiving with kidney cancer

Condition

Kidney cancerAll conditions
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