Microwave coagulation therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Microwave coagulation therapy (MCT) is a relatively new method of tumor ablation compared to other minimally invasive local therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It is a thermal ablation modality based on the application of heat, potentially leading to larger ablation zones. In recent years, there is a steady increase in the application of this modality to the treatment of HCC because it offers several advantages in the management of tumors larger than 3 cm in diameter. This article reviews the advances in MCT for the treatment of HCC in recent years including its brief history, basic principles, main technical parameters, safety issues, current status in clinical application, limitations, and future perspectives.

Keywords

Coagulation / hepatocellular carcinoma / microwave / treatment

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