Microwave ablation at Penn Highlands Mon Valley a cancer treatment option
Microwave is not a word you think would be used to describe a medical procedure.
But it is.
Microwave ablation is a laparoscopic procedure for cancer therapy, said Dr. Zachary Senders, a double-board-certified surgical oncologist and general surgeon with Penn Highlands Mon Valley. A procedure not typically performed in community cancer centers, Senders advocated for having the equipment needed to do the procedure at Penn Highlands.
"The procedure uses microwaves to shrink and eliminate the tumor from the inside out — basically cauterizing it," Senders said. "Microwave ablation is as effective as surgical removal but with a faster recovery."
Microwave ablation began as a radio frequency ablation, a procedure similar to a fine needle biopsy, and involves inserting a needle-like probe into the body. Radiofrequency waves are sent out from the probe into the surrounding tissue, which causes the nearby cells to die and shrinkage of the nodule, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
One of his patients, Debra Dwzinsky, is living proof that the procedure is effective.
As someone who considers herself a somewhat lucky person — she said she wins at the game of bingo — the great-grandmother said she feels that she hit the jackpot when she received this cancer therapy.
The Monessen native and Charleroi resident was first diagnosed with lung cancer in 2021. She was treated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy and was cancer-free for three and a half years.
When she returned to Penn Highlands Hahne Cancer Center in Monongahela for a CT scan earlier this year, a mark was detected on her liver and a biopsy revealed that it was cancerous.
Dwzinsky's oncologist, Dr. Rodney Jamil, referred her to Senders, who in early August performed a microwave ablation on her liver.
The actual procedure takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes. It can be performed on an outpatient basis or with an overnight stay in the hospital. Most patients can resume their normal activities within a week.
"I had a few restrictions and a little discomfort but I took Tylenol for about two weeks following the surgery," Dwzinsky said.
Senders added having this procedure done close to Dwzinsky's home versus traveling to Pittsburgh is definitely a benefit.
"My goal is to provide patients the care they need right here in their community," Senders said. "Patients do better when family can visit them and they know they aren't far away from medical help if they need something."
For the past 15 or so years, the energy source has been using a microwave beam, Senders said. Microwave takes a shorter time. Also, Senders said that not having to cut the liver lessens the chance of complications.
"The goal is to eradicate the tumor, cook the tumor from the inside out and make sure the cancer is gone," Senders said. "And this is a technique that can have less complications and less time in the hospital. Using this method also expands the pool of patients. "
Senders said it is usually a one-time procedure done under sedation or general anesthesia. A probe is inserted into the skin using imaging tools to guide it to the tumor. An electrical current runs through the probe and into the tumor, heating to a high temperature that aims to kill and destroy the cancer cells.
It is a viable option for seniors who may not be able to handle an operation.
Like any procedure, it is important to evaluate each person and their health-care situation, Senders said. When someone hears the word cancer, that can be a life-changing moment and as a physician, he said it is his job to care for patients — not only their physical health but their mental health. He said he made appointments for Dwzinsky based on her babysitting schedule for her great-grandson, who is an important part of Dwzinsky's life. Compassion for the patient is at the center of everything they do, Senders said.
"I highly recommend Dr. Senders," said Dwzinsky, 69. "He tells it like it is. He thoroughly explained the procedure to me and made sure that I was comfortable and at ease. I feel really good. I recommend this procedure to other people. It has allowed me more time with the people I love."
Microwave ablation of liver malignancies, either combined or not combined with liver resection, and selective regional and systemic therapy resulted in good long-term survival, according to the National Library of Medicine .
