Ablation for kidney cancer uses extreme heat (radiofrequency ablation) or cold (cryoablation) to destroy kidney tumors. Ablation therapy is an effective, less invasive alternative to surgically removing a tumor (partial or radical nephrectomy). It may be a good choice if you have health complications or don’t want surgery.
Ablation is an alternative to surgery for kidney cancer. During ablation therapy, your healthcare provider inserts a probe (a thin, needle-shaped device) through your skin and into the kidney tumor (renal tumor). This probe sends extreme cold or high heat directly to the diseased tissue. The treatment destroys (ablates) abnormal cells, causing cell death. It spares the surrounding healthy kidney tissue.
Your healthcare provider may recommend ablation for kidney tumors if you:
There are different ablative procedures for kidney cancer:
Surgery (partial or radical nephrectomy) is still the primary treatment for kidney cancer. However, more providers are using ablative procedures to treat small tumors. Ablation therapy is also a good option for people with medical conditions that make surgery too risky.
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You should follow your healthcare provider’s instructions to prepare for kidney cancer ablation. Depending on the type of ablative procedure, you may need to:
There are two ways that healthcare providers can perform ablation for kidney cancer:
During ablation for kidney cancer, your provider:
Kidney cancer ablation typically takes one to three hours, including preparation time. The amount of time required for an ablative procedure depends on your unique condition and treatment.
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After ablation, you may:
Some benefits of ablation therapy compared to surgery include:
When surgery isn’t an option, ablation can be an effective treatment for kidney cancer and tumors. Studies show that people who get kidney cancer ablation instead of surgery have similar five-year outcomes. They also have fewer treatment complications.
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Ablation for kidney cancer can be safer than surgery. Still, all procedures have risks. You may experience:
Recovery time after ablation depends on your unique situation. You should follow your healthcare provider’s recovery instructions, which may include:
You should resume activities when your provider gives the OK. Most people can resume normal activities like walking and driving 24 hours after undergoing kidney tumor ablation. Your provider will let you know when you can start doing strenuous activities or heavy lifting.
You should call your healthcare provider if you experience:
No. Depending on the method, ablation is sometimes a minor surgical procedure. The procedure typically takes place in an outpatient clinic. In rare instances, ablation for kidney cancer requires a short hospitalization.
Yes. You may need more than one ablative procedure if:
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Compared to a surgical nephrectomy, ablation is an effective, less invasive kidney cancer treatment for many small renal tumors. Some people prefer ablation treatment because it offers a faster, less painful recovery. However, you may need more than one ablative procedure. Your healthcare provider can discuss the risks and benefits with you. That way, the two of you can make the best decision for your health.
Last reviewed on 04/03/2024.
Learn more about the Health Library and our editorial process.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy