Radiofrequency ablation is the use of heat to kill tumor cells. The technique is best suited for small soft tissue and bone tumors for which the goal is not necessarily complete eradication of the tumor. It is often used for small, painful metastatic bone tumors and for small or intermediate sized soft tissue tumors which are difficult or impossible to surgically remove.
The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis by an interventional radiologist. The patient is placed in a CT scanner in order to precisely identify the location of the tumor.

Radiofrequency ablation probes come in various sizes and shapes for different applications.

A radiofrequency probe is then inserted into the tumor and electrical energy delivered to the tip. This causes the surrounding tissues to heat up. Once the desired temperature has been achieved, the current is turned off. If necessary, the probe is then repositioned to another part of the tumor and treatment continued.
It is an ideal treatment for osteoid osteoma which is a small, very painful benign bone tumor. These lesions have a typical appearance on x-ray and and usually respond very well to radiofrequency ablation.

Osteoid osteoma of bone treated using a radio-frequency ablation probe.