What is the primary goal of ablation therapies in treating tumors?

The primary goal of ablation therapies in treating tumors is to destroy or shrink the tumor. Ablation techniques, such as radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, or cryoablation, are designed to target and eliminate tumor cells through various energy sources. This process minimizes the size of the tumor and can potentially lead to complete tumor destruction, depending on the size and location of the tumor and the method of ablation used.

While relieving pain and improving imaging may be associated with care surrounding tumor treatment, they are not the primary focus of ablation therapies themselves. Pain relief can be a secondary benefit when the tumor shrinks or is destroyed, and improved imaging can help in planning the procedure, but the essential aim remains the direct action on the tumor to reduce its presence in the body.