Interventional radiology
You can be assured that our experts provide the full breadth of treatment options, including access to the latest technology and treatment techniques to deliver precision interventional radiology.
What is interventional radiology?
Interventional radiology uses specialist imaging and minimally invasive surgical techniques to diagnose and treat cancer.
Interventional radiology may be recommended for a number of reasons:
- Diagnosis: Specialist scans and image guided procedures can be used to help diagnose cancer.
- Treatment: Interventional radiology provides minimally invasive treatment options for cancer, and in some cases can avoid the need for more invasive treatment, such as open surgery.
- Pain management: Interventional radiology techniques can be used to relieve cancer-related pain.
- Symptom management: In addition to treating the cancer itself, interventional radiology can help manage symptoms caused by cancer or its treatment.
At HCA UK we have a range of specialist techniques available, all delivered by our highly skilled team of consultant interventional radiologists.
The treatment that's right for you
If you have been diagnosed with cancer your clinical team may recommend interventional radiology as part of your personalised treatment and care plan. The type of interventional radiology recommended will depend on your individual diagnosis, including the type and stage of cancer you have been diagnosed with.
Interventional radiology may be the only treatment recommended by your clinical team, or it may form part of your wider treatment plan. Our clinical oncologists, surgeons, and other cancer experts work together in multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) to ensure your individual treatment plan provides you with the best possible treatment recommendations based on your individual diagnosis.
Interventional radiology techniques to treat cancer
You will have access to a wide range of pioneering interventional radiology options tailored to meet your unique needs. Our state-of-the-art hospitals are equipped with the latest technology, enabling our team of interventional radiology specialists to deliver the most effective and precise treatments available.
Tumour ablation works by applying heat or cold directly to the tumour to destroy cancer cells. Tumour ablation techniques include:
- Cryoblation: Cryoablation is a technique that treats cancerous tissue using cold temperatures. Needles are guided into the treatment area using image guidance, where a mixture of gases are used to freeze the tips of the needles and to destroy the cancer cells. Most of the normal tissue surrounding the tumour remains undamaged, as the extremely low temperature only travels a small distance within the body.
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): RFA is a type of treatment used to heat and destroy cancer cells using a radiofrequency electric current or microwaves. During this procedure, a probe called an electrode applies an electrical current (radiofrequency) to the tumour. The current heats the cancer cells to a high temperature, which destroys them.
Embolisation works by blocking a tumours blood supply, causing it to shrink, or preventing further growth. This technique is commonly used to treat liver cancer and other tumours that receive their blood supply from specific arteries.
TACE is a combination of two treatments. Firstly a high dose of chemotherapy is delivered directly to tumours in the liver. Then, using the embolisation technique, an injection is used to reduce the tumours blood supply and slow and prevent its growth.
Radioembolisation, also called Selective Internal Radiotherapy (SIRT) or Trans Arterial Radioembolisation (TARE), combines two techniques: embolisation (blocking a tumours blood supply) and radiation therapy.
Radioembolisation works by injecting tiny radioactive microspheres into the blood vessels that feed the tumour. These microspheres lodge in the small blood vessels within and around the tumour, blocking its blood flow. This cuts off the tumour’s nutrient and oxygen supply, which can help shrink it. Once in place, the radioactive microspheres then deliver radiation directly to the cancer cells to destroy them. Because this is a highly targeted treatment it has a minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissue.
Chemosaturation is a way of delivering high concentration chemotherapy directly to the liver, whilst avoiding the rest of the body, and minimising side-effects.
This is achieved by temporarily isolating the blood supply to the liver from the rest of the body, using special catheters (thin tubes) to control the blood flow. Once the liver’s blood supply is isolated, a high dose of chemotherapy is delivered directly to the area. The blood from the liver is then filtered to remove most of the chemotherapy drugs before it is returned to the bloodstream, minimising the exposure of chemotherapy to the rest of the body.
Expert interventional radiology at HCA Healthcare UK
When you choose HCA UK for your interventional radiology you will benefit from:
Expertise: Our interventional radiology service combines the experience and expertise of our team of interventional radiologists, with the latest advancements in technology and treatment techniques, so you can be assured of the very best care.
State-of-the-art facilities: Our hospitals are equipped with the latest technology and equipment, allowing us to deliver precise and targeted interventional radiology with minimal side effects.
Comprehensive care and support: From diagnosis to recovery, our multidisciplinary team collaborates to provide comprehensive care tailored to your unique needs, being sure to support not only the physical aspects of your cancer diagnosis, but also the emotional and psychological impact.
CQC ratings: All our hospitals have been rated Good or Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission.
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.