Embolization

Definition

Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure used to block blood flow to cancerous tumors. It involves the injection of substances to occlude blood vessels supplying the tumor.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Embolization is often used in combination with other cancer therapies such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
2. The primary goal of embolization is to shrink tumors by depriving them of necessary nutrients and oxygen.
3. Common agents used in embolization include microspheres, coils, and chemical agents like alcohol.
4. This procedure can be particularly effective for cancers of the liver (hepatocellular carcinoma) and certain types of renal cell carcinoma.
5. Embolization can be performed through various techniques, including transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and radioembolization.

Review Questions

• What is the primary purpose of embolization in cancer therapy?
• Name two types of agents commonly used in the embolization procedure.
• Which types of cancer are most commonly treated with embolization?

Related terms

Radiotherapy: A treatment method using high doses of radiation to kill or shrink cancer cells.

Chemotherapy: The use of drugs to destroy rapidly growing cancer cells.

Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE): A type of embolization that combines chemotherapy with blockage of the blood supply to a tumor.