3.1
High-intensity focused ultrasound for breast fibroadenomas is a minimally invasive thermoablative technique that can be done at an outpatient clinic under local anaesthesia and sedation. A focusing ultrasound device delivers the treatment and allows for simultaneous imaging of the treatment area. The technology uses sound waves that propagate through the tissues, generating local heat and inducing coagulative necrosis, protein denaturation and cellular destruction. A strong acute inflammatory response follows. Remodelling of the chronic inflammatory response lasts for up to 3 months and involves cellular regeneration, proliferation, migration and removal of debris.