Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses heat to destroy cancer cells, while cryoablation freezes them. At The London Clinic Lung Centre, our world-leading consultants are highly experienced in using both techniques to treat lung cancer.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and cryoablation
Also known as: Tumour ablation, Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of a lung lesion, Cryosurgery or cryotherapy
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What are RFA and cryoablation?
Both RFA and cryoablation are highly localised treatments that target small tumours without damaging nearby healthy tissue. Because RFA and cryoablation target the tumour directly, they limit any damage to healthy tissue. As a result, both procedures lead to a quicker recovery and a lower risk of side effects compared to less localised treatments.
Radiofrequency ablation
Radiofrequency ablation for lung cancer uses intense heat generated by high-frequency radio waves to destroy cancer cells.
During the procedure, a special needle, known as an electrode, is inserted into the tumour. An electrical current then passes through the needle, heating the cancer cells to a temperature high enough to destroy them. Because the heat is localised, it typically does not affect any other areas of your lung tissue.
Lung cryoablation
Lung cryoablation uses extreme cold to freeze cancer cells.
During cryoablation, a thin cryoprobe is inserted into the tumour. The cryoprobe then releases a freezing coolant, liquid nitrogen or argon gas. This develops into an ice ball which engulfs and kills the cancerous cells in the tumour.
Why might I need RFA or cryoablation?
Will I feel any pain?
As you will have received either a general or local anaesthetic, you should not feel any pain during the procedure. If you have had a local anaesthetic and are not fully asleep, you may simply feel a slight tingling sensation in the area being treated.
What are the side effects of RFA and cryoablation?
All medical procedures come with a risk of side effects, and RFA and cryoablation are no different. Overall, however, the risk of complications is very low.
The side effects of these procedures may include:
- Bleeding
- Mild levels of pain in the treated area
- Flu-like symptoms and a fever
- Infection
- Damage to the tissue surrounding the tumour
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above after your procedure, you should contact your care team who can provide personalised advice.
More information
Step 1. Preparing for RFA or cryoablation
Prior to your treatment, your care team will review your current medications and advise you on any that you should stop taking in advance. These may include:
- Aspirin
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Blood thinners
You will have an appointment about a week before the procedure, during which your care team will assess your overall health to ensure you are ready. This may include blood tests to check your liver and kidney function, as well as your blood’s ability to clot.
At a certain time, either the night before or the morning of your procedure, you will be asked to stop eating and drinking. On the day, you will simply need to arrive prepared for an overnight stay at the clinic, with a bag containing anything you may need to be comfortable.
Step 2. During RFA or cryoablation
You will either be given a local anaesthetic and a sedative, which will make you feel very sleepy, or a general anaesthetic, which will put you completely to sleep.
Your consultant will then use either an ultrasound or a computed tomography (CT) scan to guide the needle through your skin and into the tumour. The treatment will typically last 30–90 minutes, depending on the size and location of the tumour. The entire procedure usually lasts between one and three hours.
Once the treatment is complete, your consultant will remove the needle and cover the area with a dressing. You will also have a chest X-ray to ensure the lung has not collapsed during the procedure (pneumothorax).
Step 3. Recovery and aftercare
Depending on what time you have your procedure, you will either need to stay in bed for a few hours afterwards or remain in the hospital overnight. This is so you can recover from the anaesthetic and be monitored to ensure you are not experiencing any immediate complications, such as bleeding.
Post-procedure, you may experience mild discomfort, fatigue or a fever. However, this will usually resolve within a few days. You will be able to start eating and drinking as soon as you are awake.
You should avoid strenuous activity for a few days after the procedure. Following advice from your consultant, you will be able to gradually return to your normal activities. However, if you experience any unusual symptoms, such as severe pain, a continued fever or difficulty breathing, you should inform your care team as soon as possible.
A follow-up scan will be scheduled a few weeks after the procedure to assess how well the cancer is responding to the treatment.
What to expect during RFA and cryoablation
Step 1 Preparing for RFA or cryoablation
Before your procedure, your care team will advise you on any medications to stop taking—such as aspirin, NSAIDs or blood thinners. You'll have a pre-treatment assessment, including blood tests to check your overall health.
You’ll be asked to stop eating and drinking a few hours before the procedure. On the day, simply arrive prepared for an overnight stay.
Step 2 During RFA or cryoablation
You will be given either a local anaesthetic with sedation or a general anaesthetic. Using a CT or ultrasound scan for guidance, your consultant will insert a needle into the tumour to carry out the treatment.
The procedure usually lasts 1–3 hours. Afterwards, a chest X-ray will be taken to check for any complications such as lung collapse.
Step 3 Recovery and aftercare
You may need to stay in bed for a few hours or overnight so your team can monitor your recovery. Mild discomfort, fatigue or fever are common but usually short-lived.
You can eat and drink once you’re fully awake and should avoid strenuous activity for a few days. A follow-up scan will be scheduled to assess how the treatment has worked.
We offer Fixed Price Packages
Where possible, we’ll provide a fixed-price package for your hospital care. This covers your hospital stay, nursing, and use of our facilities, giving you a clear guide to what those costs will be.
- Pre-op assessment
- Hospital stay, nursing care and meals
- Tests, scans and physio during your stay
- Take-home medication (up to 5 days)
- Post-op follow-up appointments
- Standard equipment or prosthesis (if needed)
- Unplanned extended stay or ITU (if clinically required)
- Initial consultation and any tests done during it
- Consultant and anaesthetist fees (quoted separately)
- Physio or therapy before or after your stay
- Diagnostics before admission (unless agreed in your plan)
- Specialist medication beyond 5 days
- Ambulance transport or bespoke prosthetics
Your consultant’s fees are quoted separately and shared directly by their office after your consultation. These professional fees cover the time, expertise, and care provided by your consultant before, during, and after your treatment. See our full terms and conditions
Why patients choose The London Clinic Lung Centre
Our lung centre brings together a wide range of specialities and collective experience to provide a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating lung conditions. Working collaboratively, our world-class teams deliver personalised care at every stage, ensuring each patient receives the highest standard of treatment in a supportive, streamlined environment.
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Our specialists work at the forefront of modern lung diagnostics and treatments, helping deliver exceptional care for chest conditions.
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0% Finance Options
We’ve teamed up with Chrysalis to offer you funding options that allow you to spread the cost of your treatment.
If you choose to pay for your treatment at The London Clinic over 12 months, you can make use of a great 0% interest option and pay nothing extra. Or you can choose to pay over two to five years at 14.9% APR.
Trustees of the London Clinic Ltd trading as The London Clinic is an Appointed Representative of Chrysalis Finance Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The London Clinic is a credit broker, not a lender. The provider of a payment scheme which is not offered through or by Chrysalis Finance Limited may not be so authorised and regulated. Cancer treatments or transplants aren’t covered by finance packages. Finance options are only available for UK patients.