Treatment for cancer
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses heat made by radio waves to kill cancer cells. You might have it on its own or with other treatments.
A laser is a very thin, focused beam of light. It heats the tissue to high temperatures, destroying abnormal cells. Lasers can focus very accurately on tiny areas.
High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a treatment that aims to kill cancer cells with high frequency sound waves. It is only available in specific centres or as part of a clinical trial.
Photodynamic therapy is a treatment for several different types of cancer. It uses a light sensitising drug and very bright light to destroy cancer cells.
Cryotherapy is a treatment that uses extreme cold to destroy cancer cells. It's a treatment for some early cancers and some pre cancerous conditions.
You might have ultraviolet (UV) light phototherapy treatment for a type of skin cancer called cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) and some other conditions. Find out more.
Last reviewed: 28 Mar 2025
Next review due: 28 Mar 2028