Evidence shows that this procedure reduces tumour size. But there’s not much good evidence that it improves how long people live, how healthy they are in the long term, or if it improves their quality of life. It can sometimes have serious complications.
So, it can only be done with special arrangements. This means you will have regular appointments afterwards to check how well it is working or if it has caused problems.
Cancer can start in the lung (primary) or spread to it from another part of the body (metastatic). In this procedure, a probe is inserted into the lung, directly through the skin of the chest, to send microwaves into the cancer cells. This produces heat, aiming to destroy the cancer (ablation).
The NHS website may have information on your condition and treatment options.
You can search the NHS website for information about consultants and hospitals that offer this procedure.
Is this procedure right for me?
You should be included in making decisions about your care.
Your healthcare professionals should explain the risks and benefits of this procedure and how it is done. They should discuss your options and listen carefully to your views and concerns. They should offer you more information about the procedure. Your family or carers can be involved if you want or need them to be.
You will be asked to decide whether you agree (consent) to have the procedure. Find out more about giving consent to treatment on the NHS website.
Some questions to think about
- How many appointments will I need?
- What are the possible benefits? How likely am I to get them?
- What are the risks or side effects? How likely are they?
- Will I have to stay in hospital?
- What happens if it does not work or something goes wrong?
- What happens if I do not want the procedure?
- Are other treatments available?
More information
- NICE's information on interventional procedures guidance explains what an interventional procedure is and how we assess it.
- NICE’s information on interventional procedures recommendations explains what special arrangements are.
ISBN: 978-1-4731-4388-3
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