When is ablation therapy preferred for liver tumors, and what are the typical modalities?

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Ablation therapy is a minimally invasive option best suited for small, solitary liver tumors or for patients who cannot tolerate surgical resection. It works by destroying tumor tissue in place, using energy delivered directly to the lesion under image guidance, usually via percutaneous access. The most common modalities are radiofrequency ablation and microwave ablation. Radiofrequency ablation uses electrical current to heat and coagulate the tumor, while microwave ablation generates heat with microwave energy, often creating faster and larger zones of necrosis and being less affected by nearby blood vessels. These approaches are preferred when surgery is not feasible or carries too high a risk, offering local control with a less invasive approach. They are not typically used for large or multifocal disease, where resection or other systemic/local therapies may be more appropriate.