Abdominal Imaging and Intervention

Welcome to the website for Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s
Tumor Ablation Program.  
We offer patients state-of-the art treatments of cancers using minimally invasive treatments that are guided by imaging.  The tumor ablation program is a component of the Department of Radiology’s Cross-sectional Interventional Service.  Like other interventional radiology procedures, we place needle-like therapy probes through the skin into tumors using ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance.  We offer a full range of ablation-type treatments including those based on heating, such as radiofrequency, those based on freezing (cryotherapy), and other new techniques.

We are one of a few programs in the country that offer a choice of several ablation-type treatments.  We are also one of a handful of centers in the world that utilizes an open-configuration, magnetic resonance imaging system that is especially designed for guiding ablation procedures.  MRI is the most advanced imaging guidance tool at our disposal  and offers the unique advantage of allowing the interventional radiologist to see the effects of the treatment during the procedure so that the treatment is optimized.

 
We offer treatments of tumors and cancers arising from several sites in the body, including the lung, liver, kidney, adrenal glands, lymph nodes, bones, and soft tissues.  If you would like more information on the history of the Tumor Ablation Program click here.  If you would like to view a list of our program's publications on tumor ablation click here (pdf).  If you are a patient interested in considering one of these treatments, you may be seen in our interventional radiology clinic where an interventional radiologist, specializing in tumor ablation, will evaluate you and answer your questions.  To schedule an appointment, please contact our Cross-sectional Interventional Service coordinator at 617-732-7785.