Radiofrequency ablation of small renal tumors.

Technological improvements have led to increased diagnosis of small renal tumors and to the development of minimally invasive treatments for these tumors. As a minimally invasive ablative treatment, radiofrequency ablation shows promise as a therapeutic option for selected patients. By creating heat using radiofrequency waves, radiofrequency ablation leads to controlled thermal ablation within the target tissue. Experimental studies have shown radiofrequency ablation to be safe and reproducible. Clinical studies are ongoing but early evidence suggests that radiofrequency ablation is safe and oncologic results are encouraging. With further development of monitoring techniques and additional maturation of oncologic data, radiofrequency ablation may become a standard treatment option for patients with small renal tumors.