# Microwave ablation (MWA)

Source: https://onco.cc/terms/microwave-ablation/  
OnCo record `microwave-ablation` (Term). Data CC BY-NC 4.0, attribute "Data from OnCo (onco.cc)"; commercial use needs a licence.

## TL;DR

Like radiofrequency ablation but using microwaves, which heat faster and larger volumes and are less affected by nearby blood vessels.

## Summary

Microwave antennas create larger, more predictable ablation zones than RFA in a shorter time and are less prone to the heat-sink effect, so they are increasingly preferred for liver tumours up to 4-5 cm and lung metastases. Randomised comparisons with RFA in hepatocellular carcinoma show equal or better local control. Both are percutaneous, done under CT or ultrasound guidance, usually as a day case.

## Fields

- Kind: Term
- Last checked: 2026-09-09
- Also known as: microwave; MWA

## Sources

- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microwave_ablation
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microwave_ablation

## Connected records

- terms: [Cryoablation](https://onco.cc/terms/cryoablation/), [Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)](https://onco.cc/terms/radiofrequency-ablation/)
- cancers: [Colorectal cancer](https://onco.cc/cancers/colorectal/), [Early hepatocellular carcinoma (BCLC 0 and A)](https://onco.cc/cancers/hcc-early/), [Hepatocellular carcinoma](https://onco.cc/cancers/hcc/)
- fronts: [Surgery & Interventional](https://onco.cc/fronts/surgery/)
- technologies: [Thermal ablation (RFA, microwave, cryo)](https://onco.cc/technologies/thermal-ablation/)

---
JSON: https://onco.cc/api/v1/entities/microwave-ablation.json