الفهرس 
Anatomy of The BreastOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
 |  | from | 162 |  |  |
| | | from | 162 | | |
Abstract
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive method for treatment of breast cancer that uses thermal energy to destroy tumor cells. Ultrasound is performed to locate the tumor and a special needle is introduced into the tumor using direct image guidance, the needle is attached to a radiofrequency generator which sends radiofrequency through the needle, which generates heat from frictional movement of ions. The heat destroys the tumor cells. RFA holds tremendous potential as a treatment for early-stage breast cancer. It can be performed safely, with little discomfort to the patient and minimal side effects. After being destroyed, the dead tissue is absorbed by the body, leaving a normal appearing breast without a scar. The procedures can usually be done without intravenous sedation; so many women could potentially be treated in the office without the need for a trip to the operating room. This would greatly improve the cost and convenience of breast cancer treatment. RFA can be used in local treatment of small (<3 cm) ±radiation therapy, as consolidation therapy after lumpectomy which has excellent initial results whether RFA is delivered after percutaneous excision or open biopsy, in treatment of breast cancer in elder women with contraindication to surgical treatment, in treatment of inoperable tumors in end-stage patients for symptomatic relief, as substitute for neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced breast cancer and in treatment of breast cancer metastases to the bone, liver, kidney.
It is also important to bear in mind that surgery is still the “gold standard” for the treatment of breast cancer, and for cancers detected at an early stage.
The results of ongoing trials will establish efficacy and specific uses of the various technologies. When the tumor is destroyed in place, without surgical excision, new methods are necessary to determine afterwards if the entire tumor has been destroyed because when RFA is used alone, positive surgical margins are associated with increased local recurrence rates. In addition, there is not enough known about how these procedures may affect subsequent mammograms. This may make it difficult to look for recurrences in the years after treatment. Additional research and clinical trials will be needed to provide answers to these questions, and determine if local ablative therapies like RFA will really be the next step forward in the management of breast cancer.
Percutaneous RFA is safe and feasible in the management of breast cancer.