Interventional Radiology uses blood vessels as a pathway to diagnose and treat certain diseases - including cancer -- or abnormalities of arteries, veins, or organs. Sometimes referred to as angiography, these procedures use x-ray guidance and contrast agents to create images of vascular anatomy. Interventional radiologists work closely with referring physicians to perform procedures which may benefit the treatment of cancer.
Using catheters and guidewires, a number of procedures can be performed.
Biopsies of tissue can be performed to determine the presence and extent of disease.
Chemoembolization delivers chemotherapeutic drugs directly to cancerous tissue.
Radiofrequency (RF) Ablation uses mild electrical current on an inoperative tumor, effectively "cooking" the malignant growth and preventing its spread.
Interventional Radiology provides a safe, minimally invasive method that generally reduces complications and length of recovery. While not all patients are good candidates for interventional radiology, you should discuss all options with your physician.