A new treatment option is available for patients with metastatic disease of the liver.

Percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation uses heat to destroy cancerous tumors of the liver. Done laproscopically -- using tiny instruments -- the procedure requires three or four small incisions. Patients heal more quickly and usually can go home after just an overnight stay in the hospital.

Candidates for the procedure include patients whose cancer is located within the liver. Once the disease has spread beyond the liver, other treatments are available. An oncologist can discuss treatment options with patients.

A referral to a specialized surgeon is needed for percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation.