Interventional Radiology – precise diagnostics and effective treatments

At Docrates Cancer Center, we utilise advanced ultrasound and computed tomography methods to ensure the precise and safe performance of procedures. We use the latest ablation treatments, sampling methods, and pain management techniques.

Interventional radiology in cancer diagnostics

Accurate diagnosis is the cornerstone of cancer treatment. An interventional radiologist can take biopsy samples from suspicious changes in various parts of the body with great precision and minimal invasiveness. This means that the procedures are as minimally burdensome as possible for the patient, and recovery is fast.

Imaging-guided biopsies For biopsies, we use ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT) guidance, which allows the needle to be guided with millimetre precision to the target. This ensures the quality of the sample and reduces the risk of errors.

• CT-guided biopsy: Samples are taken from changes in internal organs and lungs under computed tomography guidance.
• US-guided biopsy: Samples are taken from the liver, kidneys, other internal organs, and soft tissues using ultrasound.

Treatment methods offered by interventional radiology

Interventional radiology offers effective and targeted options for treating both malignant and benign changes. These treatments are often minimally invasive, meaning smaller wounds, shorter recovery times, and fewer complications compared to traditional surgery.

Treatment of malignant tumors with interventional radiology

In ablation treatments, tumor tissue is locally destroyed using various forms of energy. Ablation treatment refers to a medical procedure in which specific tissue is deliberately destroyed or removed to treat a disease. A tumor can be destroyed without surgery, for example, by:

• heat (RF ablation)
• cold (cryoablation)
• microwaves or laser

These treatments are often suitable for smaller tumors or situations where surgery is not possible.

• Breast cancer tumor cryoablation: Breast cancer tumors can be treated by freezing.
• Kidney tumor ablation treatments: Kidney tumors can be treated with microwave or cryoablation.
• Liver tumor ablation treatments: Liver tumors can be treated with microwave or cryoablation.
• Lung tumor ablation treatments: Lung tumors can be treated with microwave or cryoablation.
• Soft tissue tumor ablation treatments: Soft tissue tumors can be treated with microwave orcryoablation.
• Musculoskeletal cryoablation: Musculoskeletal tumors can be treated by freezing.

Treatment of benign changes with interventional radiology

Interventional radiology can also effectively and minimally invasively treat various benign changes.

• Thyroid ablation treatments: Benign thyroid nodules and cysts can be treated with microwave (MWA) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA), as well as sclerotherapy or ethanol ablation.
• Myoma microwave ablation: Uterine myomas can be treated with microwave ablation.
• Endometriosis cryoablation: Endometriosis lesions can be treated by freezing.

Interventional radiological pain management techniques

An interventional radiologist can offer effective solutions for alleviating cancer-related pain. Imaging-guided anaesthesia and nerve ablations (neurolysis) can significantly improve the patient’s quality of life.

• Celiac plexus block/neurolysis: For the treatment of abdominal pain.
• Ganglion impar block/neurolysis: For the treatment of pelvic floor pain (based on the pain physician’s assessment).
• Pudendal nerve block/neurolysis: For the treatment of pain in the pubic and anal areas (based on the pain physician’s assessment).
• Nerve root block: Anaesthesia of the spinal nerve roots is performed to relieve pain caused by nerve impingement in the back area.

When to seek an interventional radiologist’s appointment?

If you have a cancer diagnosis and are looking for minimally invasive diagnostic or treatment options, interventional radiology may be a suitable solution for you. At Docrates, our specialists will individually assess your situation and plan the best possible treatment path.

Reasons to seek an interventional radiologist’s appointment:

• A suspicious change from which a biopsy sample is needed.
• A cancer tumor for which local ablation treatment is being considered.
• Cancer-related pain that requires effective relief.

At Docrates Cancer Center, interventional radiology services are provided by Nordic Focal Therapies Oy. Risto Kesävuori and Gaber Komar serve as interventional radiologists at Docrates. Our goal is to offer effective treatment options and precise diagnostics for the patient’s benefit.

Further information and booking: 010 773 2000 (Mon-Fri 8-16).