Tumor or hemangioma embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the injection of tiny particles or substances into the blood vessels that supply a tumor or hemangioma, in order to block or reduce the blood flow to it. This results in the shrinking of the tumor or hemangioma and may help to alleviate related symptoms.
Embolization is often used as a preoperative procedure to reduce the size of the tumor or hemangioma before surgical removal, or as a palliative treatment for patients who are not eligible for surgery or other treatments.
The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and involves the insertion of a small catheter through a blood vessel in the groin or arm, which is guided into the affected area using X-ray or ultrasound imaging. Once the catheter is in place, the embolic material is injected, blocking the blood vessels that supply the tumor or hemangioma.
Possible side effects of embolization include pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting. More serious complications, such as bleeding, infection, or damage to surrounding organs or tissues, are rare but possible.
Tumor or hemangioma embolization is generally considered a safe and effective procedure for treating certain types of tumors and hemangiomas. However, it may not be appropriate for all patients and should be discussed with a healthcare provider to determine if it is a suitable treatment option for the individual case.