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Radiofrequency ablation of head and neck tumors: Dramatic results from application of a new technology
Author(s) -
Owen Randall P.,
Ravikumar Thanjavur S.,
Silver Carl E.,
Beitler Jonathan,
Wadler Scott,
Bello Jacqueline
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.10119
Subject(s) - medicine , radiofrequency ablation , perioperative , surgery , ablation , radiation therapy , radiology , tongue , pathology
Background Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a new treatment modality used over the past decade predominantly in the treatment of unresectable liver tumors. We find no prior reported series on the use of RFA for malignant tumors of the head and neck. Methods Four patients with recurrent tongue tumors not amenable to standard surgical or radiation therapy were treated with RFA administered transorally, endoscopically, or percutaneously. Results There was no perioperative mortality. Significant palliation was achieved consisting of substantial reduction in tumor size and alleviation of tumor‐induced pain. One patient has survived for 8 months with no progression of tumor. Three patients had complications, including line sepsis, pneumonia, and enlargement of an orocutaneous fistula. Conclusions RFA was relatively straightforward to apply, achieved substantial palliation, and was associated with minimal perioperative morbidity and no mortality. It might easily be combined with other therapies such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation. Further investigation is necessary and ongoing. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 24: 754–758, 2002