Understanding Microwave Ablation

When you or someone you love is facing a tumour, whether cancerous or not, finding the right treatment can feel overwhelming. At Hospital Picaso, we believe that clarity, comfort, and care go hand in hand. That is why we offer Microwave Ablation (MWA). A gentle yet powerful approach to treating tumours using heat, without the need for open surgery.

MWA uses microwave energy to destroy abnormal tissue with remarkable precision. It is a minimally invasive treatment that is particularly helpful when surgery may be too risky or not an option. From liver and lung tumours to thyroid nodules and fibroids, this technique allows us to treat with care, preserving what is healthy while targeting what is not.

Most importantly, it is never just about the technology. It is about the treatment plan, the teamwork, and the belief that every patient deserves to be seen, heard, and cared for every step of the way.

How It Works

Microwave Ablation begins with imaging — CT or ultrasound — to guide a fine, antenna-like probe precisely into the tumour. Once in place, the probe emits controlled microwave energy, heating the tumour tissue and destroying it from the inside out.

This process, called coagulative necrosis, causes the tumour cells to die and shrink naturally over time. The entire procedure is often completed in minutes, yet its impact can be long-lasting. For many, it is a chance to move forward with fewer risks, fewer scars, and a faster recovery.

MWA can be offered on its own or used alongside other treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation, all based on a carefully considered treatment plan designed by our team with you in mind.

Imaging (ultrasound or CT) is used for accuracy

A thin antenna is guided into the tumour.

Microwave energy is delivered directly to the tumour.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Your Treatment

From the moment you arrive, your care team is already thinking ahead — reviewing scans, understanding your diagnosis, and building a plan around your needs and priorities.

Before the procedure

Your doctor will assess your imaging results and overall health to ensure that MWA is the right choice for you. You will have time to ask questions, express concerns, and feel fully informed about what lies ahead.

During the procedure

You will be kept comfortable under local or general anaesthesia, depending on the tumour’s location. Using real-time imaging, your doctor will carefully place the probe into the tumour and activate the microwave energy. Most treatments take between 10 to 30 minutes per tumour.

After the procedure

Many patients return home the same day or after a short hospital stay. Most report only mild discomfort and are back to light activities within a few days. Full recovery is usually expected within one to two weeks but of course, we will be with you the entire way, ensuring everything is going as it should.

Why Patients Choose Microwave Ablation at Hospital Picaso

Every MWA treatment at Hospital Picaso is part of a bigger promise: to treat you as a person, not just a diagnosis.

This approach is:

Minimally invasive, requiring no large incisions
Precise and targeted, sparing nearby healthy tissue
Quick to recover from, with less downtime and fewer complications
Flexible and repeatable, making it a useful option for recurring or hard-to-reach tumours
Part of a personalised plan, designed in close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team that sees the whole picture

We don’t just focus on the tumour, we focus on you, your goals, and your journey. That means building a plan together, supported by technology, teamwork, and above all, care.

Who Is Microwave Ablation For?

Microwave Ablation is often considered for patients with:

Liver tumours, whether primary or spread from another site
Lung tumours, including small or multiple lesions
Pancreatic tumours, especially when surgery is too risky
Adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis, for those seeking non-surgical relief
Thyroid nodules, especially when they cause symptoms or grow over time

Every condition is different, and so is every person. That is why our team takes the time to assess not only your medical needs but also your personal concerns and lifestyle to ensure the chosen path fits you.

Your Questions, Answered

Is the procedure painful?

Most patients describe the experience as mildly uncomfortable at most. Anaesthesia ensures your comfort throughout.

Will I need to stay overnight?

Many patients return home the same day, though a brief stay may be recommended for observation.

How long before I can return to normal activities?

Light activities can usually be resumed within a few days. Most patients are back to their regular routines within one to two weeks.

Can this treatment be repeated?

Yes. MWA can be safely repeated to treat new or recurring tumours when needed.

Are there any risks?

As with any medical procedure, there are risks such as minor bleeding or post-procedure pain. However, serious complications are rare and your safety remains our top priority.

About Hospital Picaso

Hospital Picaso, short for PJ Integrated Centre of Advanced Surgery and Oncology, is a premier cancer centre located in the heart of Petaling Jaya offering a full spectrum of advanced cancer treatment. As a leading centre for advanced surgery and integrated oncology in Malaysia, we are committed to delivering personalised medical solutions tailored to each patient’s journey.

Equipped with cutting-edge technologies, including robotic operating theatres and specialised therapy centres, and supported by a team of dedicated multidisciplinary team, we are here to keep hope alive. At Hospital Picaso, we believe that recovery is a fight worth winning — and no one should have to face it alone.

Book a Consultation with Our MWA Doctors Today

If you or someone you care about is considering Microwave Ablation, let’s talk about how this treatment could work for you. Schedule your appointment now:

Call us: +603 - 7457 2888

Email: info@picasohospital.com