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A histopathologic study on the effects of radiofrequency thermotherapy on malignant tumors of the lung
Author(s) -
Sugaar Stephen,
Leveen Harry H.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0142(197902)43:2<767::aid-cncr2820430254>3.0.co;2-x
Subject(s) - stroma , pathology , medicine , stromal cell , histopathology , lung , necrosis , infiltration (hvac) , immunohistochemistry , physics , thermodynamics
Malignant cells are thermosensitive but this does not fully explain the widespread pathologic changes observed in solid cancers following local therapy with radiofrequency heating. The histopathology of human malignant tumors after radiofrequency thermotherapy reveals not only the expected degeneration of tumor cells, but significant changes in the tumor's stroma as well. Stromal blood capillary walls are massively infiltrated with round cells and undergo degenerative changes leading to necrosis and obliteration of the tumor's vascular supply. Extensive infiltration of the stroma with the host's round cells occurs. Following focal necrosis and rupture of the stroma, pools of lymphocytes establish direct contact with heat damaged malignant cells leading to further destruction of persisting tumor. The histologic signs of the generalized breakdown of lung tumors consequent to radiofrequency heat‐therapy bear close resemblance to lesions in acutely rejecting organ allografts. Cancer 43:767–783, 1979.