Microwave Ablation · Los Angeles

Target selected tumors with focused heat.

A minimally invasive option planned around the tumor—and what surrounds it.

EVSLA reviews your diagnosis, imaging, tumor size and location, nearby anatomy, organ function, prior treatment, and cancer-care plan to determine whether microwave ablation may fit.

Request an Ablation Evaluation See If Ablation May Fit

Microwave ablation is for selected tumors and patients. An evaluation does not guarantee candidacy, complete tumor destruction, response, or a specific outcome.

  • Image guided
  • Targeted heat
  • Care coordinated
Microwave ablation treatment planning
Start with the scanCan the tumor be reached safely?Size, location, access path, and nearby organs help determine whether targeted heat is appropriate.
Plan beyond the procedureAblation should support the larger cancer-care goal—not compete with it.
Heat delivered at the tumor

A thin antenna is positioned under imaging guidance.

Nearby tissue considered

The treatment zone is planned around critical anatomy.

Coordinated cancer care

Ablation is evaluated within the broader care plan.

Could microwave ablation fit your plan?

The decision starts with the tumor, the organ, and the treatment goal—not with the procedure alone.

The diagnosis and goal are clear

Ablation may be considered for selected primary or metastatic tumors when local treatment supports the wider plan.

The tumor is limited and reachable

Number, size, location, visibility on imaging, and a safe route for the antenna all matter.

A safe treatment zone can be planned

The specialist considers nearby vessels, bile ducts, bowel, diaphragm, lung, nerves, and other critical structures.

Your health supports the care plan

Organ function, bleeding risk, prior treatment, disease elsewhere, other options, and personal goals shape the recommendation.

How microwave ablation treats a selected tumor

Imaging helps the physician reach the target and monitor a controlled zone of heat. The exact approach depends on the tumor and organ.

1

Plan a safe path

CT, ultrasound, or other imaging helps identify the tumor, choose an access route, and account for nearby structures.

2

Place the antenna

A thin microwave antenna is guided into the selected tumor through a small access point. One or more positions may be needed.

3

Create the treatment zone

Microwave energy produces heat intended to destroy the tumor and a planned margin while limiting exposure outside the target area.

Microwave ablation is a local treatment—not treatment for cancer everywhere in the body. The treated tissue is not surgically removed, and follow-up imaging is needed to assess the ablation zone and watch for remaining or returning disease.

One focused procedure. A broader care plan.

Anesthesia, treatment time, observation, recovery, and follow-up vary by tumor site, complexity, health, and the approach used.

01

Consultation and planning

The team reviews imaging, diagnosis, labs, medications, bleeding risk, prior care, and the intended role of ablation.

02

Image-guided ablation

The physician positions the antenna under imaging guidance, delivers microwave energy, and evaluates the planned treatment zone.

03

Recovery and follow-up imaging

Your care team gives individualized activity and symptom instructions, then uses follow-up imaging to assess the treated area.

Tumor ablation, led by image-guided specialists

Your specialist reviews the tumor, access path, nearby anatomy, organ function, and treatment goal before recommending microwave ablation or another next step.

Board-certified specialists
CT- and ultrasound-guided planning
Care coordinated with oncology
Three Los Angeles-area clinics
Harout Dermendjian, MD

Harout Dermendjian, MD

Board-Certified Vascular & Interventional Radiologist

Specialty training in oncology and other image-guided treatments, with a direct approach to complex decisions.

Meet Dr. Dermendjian →
Kartik Kansagra, MD

Kartik Kansagra, MD

Board-Certified Vascular & Interventional Radiologist

Clear communication and collaborative planning for complex vascular and minimally invasive care.

Meet Dr. Kansagra →
Sipan Mathevosian, MD

Sipan Mathevosian, MD

Board-Certified Interventional & Diagnostic Radiologist

Interventional oncology experience supporting careful planning for selected tumor ablation cases.

Meet Dr. Mathevosian →

You do not need to choose a physician before requesting care. EVSLA will route the case based on the clinical question, records, and availability.

Start your evaluation close to home

Choose the clinic most convenient for your evaluation. Procedure location and availability depend on the treatment and clinical need, and the scheduling team will confirm the appropriate site.

La Cañada Flintridge

1407 Foothill Boulevard
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

Clinic details →

What patients ask about microwave ablation

Clear answers about candidacy, treatment, risks, recovery, and how ablation fits cancer care.

What is microwave ablation?

Microwave ablation is an image-guided local treatment. A specialist positions a thin antenna in a selected tumor and uses microwave energy to create a controlled zone of heat intended to destroy the targeted tissue and a planned margin.

Which tumors may be considered for microwave ablation?

Microwave ablation may be considered for selected primary or metastatic tumors, commonly in organs such as the liver and in some cases the lung, kidney, or other sites. Eligibility depends on the diagnosis, tumor size, number and location, access route, nearby structures, organ function, prior treatment, overall health, and the broader cancer-care plan. Service availability also varies.

How is microwave ablation different from surgery?

Percutaneous microwave ablation usually reaches a tumor through a small skin puncture under imaging guidance rather than removing it through an open incision. Surgery may provide advantages for some tumors and remains the preferred option for some patients. The right choice depends on the diagnosis, anatomy, health, and treatment goal.

How does microwave ablation compare with radiofrequency ablation or cryoablation?

Microwave ablation and radiofrequency ablation use heat, while cryoablation uses cold. Each technique has different planning considerations. The most appropriate method depends on the tumor, organ, nearby anatomy, treatment goal, and the specialist’s judgment.

What are the risks and recovery after microwave ablation?

Pain, fatigue, fever, nausea, or other post-ablation symptoms can occur. Other risks include bleeding, infection, injury to the treated organ or nearby structures, medication or anesthesia reactions, incomplete treatment, and tumor recurrence. Discharge timing, activity limits, and recovery vary by tumor site, procedure, and individual health.

Can microwave ablation be combined with other cancer treatments?

Sometimes. Microwave ablation may be one part of a plan that also includes surgery, systemic therapy, radiation, embolization, another ablation technique, or observation. The sequence depends on the diagnosis, disease distribution, organ function, and treatment goal.

We can help review the next step.

Share your current imaging, diagnosis, recent lab results, and cancer-care plan. EVSLA can review the full picture and explain whether microwave ablation—or another image-guided option—makes sense to discuss.

Request an Ablation EvaluationCall (818) 626–3710A request does not confirm candidacy, treatment, coverage, or outcome.