High-intensity focused ultrasound, also known as HIFU, is a medical treatment that uses powerful sound waves to address specific health issues, like certain types of tumors. It is considered a minimally invasive option, meaning it does not require large incisions or major surgery.
In routine medical practice, healthcare professionals use ultrasound scans for various imaging purposes.
Ultrasound technology works by sending high-frequency sound waves into the body, which then bounce back and create real-time images or videos of soft tissues and internal organs. These images help doctors see what’s happening inside the body without the need for more invasive procedures.
However, HIFU functions differently from regular ultrasound.
Instead of creating images, it uses extremely high-energy sound waves that are precisely directed at a specific area of the body. These focused waves can alter or destroy targeted tissues, much like how a magnifying glass can concentrate sunlight to burn a piece of paper. In HIFU, multiple beams of ultrasound are directed at the exact area that needs treatment. This concentrated energy raises the temperature of the targeted tissue, leading to a process called ablation, where the tissue is destroyed due to the heat.
Important to note is that the ultrasound waves can pass through various layers of tissue, like the skin, without causing harm, until they reach the area they are intended to treat.
This allows the treatment to be delivered precisely to the affected region without affecting surrounding healthy tissue.
To guide, assess, and monitor the HIFU procedure, healthcare providers often use either magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound imaging.
One popular type of HIFU is called magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS), where MRI is used to provide real-time guidance during the procedure. Also read Hifu Treatment in Singapore for more information.
What Conditions Can HIFU Treat?
HIFU is used to treat a wide range of medical conditions.
One of its main applications is in the treatment of both cancerous (malignant) and non-cancerous (benign) solid tumors. These tumors can be found in various parts of the body, such as:
– Bones
– Brain
– Breast
– Connective tissues
– Esophagus
– Kidney
– Liver
– Pancreas
– Prostate
In addition to tumors, HIFU is also used to treat other medical issues, including:
– Uterine fibroids
– Essential tremor, especially when it cannot be controlled with medication
– Tremors related to Parkinson’s disease
– Pain caused by cancer that has spread to the bones (metastatic bone growth pain)
– Thyroid nodules
Medical researchers are currently exploring the potential of HIFU for treating additional conditions and health problems.
Why Is HIFU Used?
Doctors often prefer HIFU because it is non-invasive, meaning it does not require surgery, and is generally considered a safer alternative to other treatments.
However, not all types of tumors are suitable for HIFU. For example, in the case of prostate cancer, it is most effective for patients with early-stage, low-grade cancer that is confined to the prostate and is clearly visible on an MRI or ultrasound scan. If the cancer has spread beyond the prostate or is not clearly visible on imaging tests, HIFU may not be the best treatment option.