Non-Surgical Treatment for Desmoid Tumours: Who is Microwave Ablation Suitable For?

I am Prof. Dr. Aykut Recep Aktaş. My area of expertise is Interventional Radiology, one of modern medicine's innovative and minimally invasive approaches. In our clinic, we focus on non-surgical treatment methods that enhance our patients' quality of life. Today, we will elaborate on the microwave ablation method, which plays a significant role in the non-surgical treatment of desmoid tumours, known as rare and challenging masses.

What is a Desmoid Tumour?

Desmoid tumours are soft tissue tumours originating from connective tissue, which are benign but tend to grow aggressively. They can appear in various parts of the body, particularly in the abdominal wall, limbs, or body cavities. Due to their size and location, they can exert pressure on surrounding tissues, leading to serious symptoms such as pain and loss of function. Treatment varies depending on the tumour's size, location, and the patient's general health condition.

What is Microwave Ablation and How Does it Work in Desmoid Tumours?

Microwave ablation is a minimally invasive treatment method applied in the field of Interventional Radiology, aiming to destroy tumours using heat energy. In this method, a very fine, needle-like probe is inserted into the tumour under imaging guidance (typically with ultrasound or computed tomography). The probe emits microwave energy, creating high temperatures (usually 60-100°C) within the tumour tissue. This heat denatures the proteins in the tumour cells and leads to cell death, thus ensuring the tumour's size reduction and eventual elimination.

For localised tumours like desmoid tumours, which may be difficult or risky to surgically remove, microwave ablation offers a targeted and effective solution. It ensures the controlled destruction of the tumour while causing minimal damage to surrounding tissues.

Advantages Compared to Surgery

Microwave ablation offers several significant advantages over surgery for desmoid tumour treatment:

• Minimally Invasive Nature: It requires only a small needle entry point instead of large incisions. This leads to better cosmetic outcomes and accelerates the wound healing process.
• Lower Risk of Complications: The risk of bleeding, infection, and pain is generally lower compared to surgery.
• Faster Recovery Time: Patients can usually be discharged the same day or the day after and can return to their daily activities more quickly.
• Preservation of Tissues: Especially in tumours located near nerves, blood vessels, or vital organs, microwave ablation can help preserve function by causing minimal damage to surrounding tissues.
• Repeatability: If necessary, it can be applied again to the same tumour or to newly emerging lesions.
• Reduced Need for General Anaesthesia: In most cases, it can be performed under local anaesthesia and sedation, which is a significant advantage for patients who carry general anaesthesia risks.

Who is Microwave Ablation Suitable For?

Microwave ablation may not be suitable for every patient with a desmoid tumour, but it offers an ideal option for specific patient groups:

• Patients Unsuitable for Surgery: It offers a non-surgical alternative for elderly patients, those with serious co-morbidities, or patients with high general anaesthesia risks.
• Tumours in Anatomically Challenging Locations: It can be preferred for tumours located close to nerves, large blood vessels, or vital organs, where surgical removal carries high risks.
• Recurrent Tumours After Surgery: For desmoid tumours that recur despite previous surgical interventions, it offers a minimally invasive solution instead of additional surgical procedures.
• Those Wishing to Preserve Function or Organs: It is important for patients who want to prevent potential loss of function or organ damage after surgery, especially in tumours located in the limbs or abdominal cavity.
• Patient Preference: It is an attractive option for patients who do not wish to undergo the long recovery period, scarring, and general anaesthesia risks associated with surgery.
• Small to Medium-Sized Tumours: Generally more effective for tumours up to 5 cm, but can also be considered for larger tumours by an experienced interventional radiology specialist.

Each case is unique, and the treatment plan should be tailored to the patient's individual condition. Therefore, it is of great importance for patients diagnosed with a desmoid tumour to be thoroughly evaluated by an experienced interventional radiology specialist to determine the most suitable treatment method for them.

In our clinic in Antalya, we offer the most up-to-date and effective non-surgical treatment methods for desmoid tumours, including microwave ablation. We create personalised treatment plans to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.

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In addition to desmoid tumour treatment, our clinic also applies many innovative and non-surgical treatment methods offered by modern interventional radiology. Do you want to resolve your bodily ailments with modern, non-surgical methods? We invite you to learn more about other treatment options on our website, such as fusion biopsy, fibroid treatment, or thyroid ablation, and to receive a personalised evaluation. We are here to address your health concerns and chart the most suitable treatment path for you.

For detailed information, please contact Prof. Dr. Aykut Recep Aktaş.