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CANCER DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENTS
Embolization of Tumors in Many Organ Systems
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In certain cases, embolization (blocking of arteries) can be helpful to patients with tumors by reducing pain, pressure and bleeding. The first step of this procedure is angiography to locate the exact site of the tumor or abnormality. The radiologist will insert a thin plastic tube through a small incision into the femoral artery, a large groin artery just over the hip joint, and then guided by TV monitoring into the area of abnormality. Contrast material then is injected and series of x-rays are taken where even tiny thread-like vessels can be seen. The physician chooses an appropriate embolic material and injects it through the catheter to lodge at the tumor site. Repeat angiograms are done until there is enough embolic material in tumor. This helps shut down the vessels that support a growing tumor. Occluding the blood vessel that feed a tumor can help control symptoms when the tumor can not be removed or might be difficult and risky to remove. After embolization a tumor may shrink.
Patients are expected to stay in bed for six to eight hours afterward this procedure.
Key Advantages:
- Minimally invasive
- Can be used as adjunct to surgery to reduce blood loss
- May help reduce pain
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