There are many types of cancer, and cancer can start any place in the body. Cancer tumors originate when cells grow out of control and crowd out normal cells. These tumors are categorized as malignant. A variety of factors contribute to the development of cancer, including genetics, age, tobacco use and ethnic factors. A common method to determine whether a tumor is malignant is through a biopsy.
The minimally invasive treatments for cancer are options for people who are not candidates for surgical treatments, those who don’t want surgery and individuals whose cancer did not respond to cancer drugs.
IR treatments for cancer are options if you are not a candidate for surgical treatments, if you don’t want surgery, or if your cancer has not responded to cancer drugs. IR may also be used to diagnose cancer (for example in an image-guided biopsy), to drain infections and abnormal collections of fluid in the chest and abdomen, or to place devices such as chest ports so that those who must receive regular infusions of chemotherapy drugs can have them delivered directly into the bloodstream.
The most common cancers IRs treat with image-guided techniques are lung, liver, kidney and bone cancers.
An interventional radiologist—or IR—can help you. IRs are board-certified physicians who use imaging guidance to deliver minimally invasive, targeted treatments with a quicker recovery. IRs help treat many of today’s toughest medical problems, including men's health conditions.
Our Doctor Finder can help you find an IR near you specializing in men's health treatments.
AppointmentSIR Executive Director Sue Sedory and Dr. Theresa Caridi, an interventional radiologist with MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, discuss how interventional radiology treats conditions across the body with less risk and a shorter recovery time than open surgery.
