Tumour Embolisation
Learn about Tumour Embolisation in Singapore provided by Dr. Manish Taneja from the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, a minimally invasive treatment that reduces or blocks blood flow to selected tumours using image guidance.
Tumour Embolisation in Singapore
Minimally Invasive Treatment to Reduce Blood Supply to Selected Tumours
Tumour embolisation is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces or blocks the blood supply to a selected tumour.
The procedure uses a thin catheter to reach blood vessels supplying the tumour. Small embolic materials are then delivered through the catheter to reduce blood flow to the targeted area.
Depending on the type, location and characteristics of the tumour, embolisation may be used as a treatment on its own or as part of a broader treatment plan.
At the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, treatment is planned around the individual patient's diagnosis, imaging findings and overall treatment goals.
Care is led by Dr. Manish Taneja, providing specialist image-guided and interventional expertise with a continuum of care under one roof.
Treatment Overview
| Treatment Type | Minimally invasive image-guided intervention |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Tumor Embolization |
| Commonly Used for | Selected tumours with an identifiable blood supply |
| Treatment goal | Reduce or block blood flow to the targeted tumour |
| How it works | Embolic material is delivered through a catheter into selected tumour-feeding vessels |
| Imaging Guidance | Angiography and other appropriate imaging |
| Access | Small catheter access through a blood vessel |
| Anaesthesia | Depends on the individual procedure |
| Follow-Up | Imaging and clinical follow-up as recommended |
| Performed By | Dr. Manish Taneja, dual-trained neurointerventional and peripheral vascular intervention specialist |
What Is Tumour Embolisation?
Tumour embolisation is a minimally invasive treatment that reduces the blood supply to a selected tumour.
Many tumours receive blood through identifiable arteries. During embolisation, a specialist guides a thin catheter through the blood vessels from the groin or wrist area until it reaches the arteries supplying the tumour. Doctors inject or guide these embolic materials through a catheter to stop bleeding, shrink tumors, or close off dangerous blood vessel flaws.
Small particles or other embolic materials can then be delivered through the catheter to reduce or block blood flow to the targeted vessels. The treatment is designed to target the tumour's blood supply while preserving blood flow to surrounding healthy tissues as much as possible.
The exact approach depends on the type, location, size and blood supply of the tumour.
How Does Tumour Embolisation Work?
Targeting the Blood Supply to a Tumour
Your specialist first reviews your diagnosis and relevant imaging. The blood vessels supplying the tumour are identified.
A small catheter is introduced through a blood vessel usually through the groin or wrist area. The catheter is carefully guided towards the vessels supplying the tumour using imaging.
Angiography helps confirm the blood supply and treatment position. Embolic material is delivered into selected tumour-feeding vessels.
Blood flow to the targeted tumour is reduced or blocked.
The catheter is removed and the access site is monitored after treatment.
When Might Tumour Embolisation Be Considered?
Tumour embolisation may be considered for selected tumours where the blood supply can be identified and safely targeted. The procedure may have different roles depending on the individual diagnosis.
For some patients, embolisation may:
- Reduce the blood supply to a tumour
- Help control bleeding associated with a tumour
- Be used before another tumour treatment
- Make another procedure safer or more manageable
- Form part of a broader multidisciplinary treatment plan
Whether embolisation is appropriate depends on the tumour type, location, blood supply, imaging findings and overall treatment objectives.
Your specialist will assess these factors before recommending treatment.
Tumours That May Be Considered for Embolisation
Tumour embolisation can be used in selected situations involving different types of tumours.
Depending on the individual case, embolisation may be considered for:
- Selected liver tumours
- Hypervascular tumours
- Selected kidney tumours
- Selected bone or soft-tissue tumours
- Tumours associated with significant blood supply
- Tumours where reducing blood flow may support another treatment
Not every tumour is suitable for embolisation.
A detailed assessment of the tumour's blood supply and surrounding anatomy is important before treatment.
Tumour Embolisation Before Surgery
Reducing Blood Supply Before Another Treatment
In some circumstances, tumour embolisation may be performed before surgery or another tumour-directed treatment.
Reducing blood flow to a highly vascular tumour may help reduce bleeding during a subsequent procedure. Whether pre-operative embolisation is appropriate depends on the tumour and the planned treatment.
The decision may involve coordination between the interventional specialist and other members of the patient's treating team.
Potential Benefits of Tumour Embolisation
A Targeted, Minimally Invasive Approach
For appropriately selected patients, tumour embolisation may offer several potential benefits.
Minimally Invasive
Treatment is performed through a small catheter rather than open surgery.
Targeted Treatment
Embolic material is delivered into selected vessels supplying the tumour.
Reduces Tumour Blood Supply
The procedure is designed to reduce blood flow to the targeted tumour.
Can Support Other Treatments
Embolisation may sometimes be performed before surgery or another tumour-directed treatment.
Image-Guided Precision
Angiography allows the specialist to identify the tumour's blood supply and guide treatment precisely.
Individualised Treatment
The embolisation approach is tailored to the tumour's location, blood supply and treatment objectives.
Tumour Embolisation vs Tumour Ablation
Understanding the Difference
Tumour embolisation and tumour ablation are different interventional treatments.
| Treatment | How It Works | Access Method | Primary Treatment Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tumour Embolisation | Reduces or blocks blood flow to the tumour | Groin or wrist catheter (Transarterial) | Targets the tumour's blood supply |
| Tumour Ablation | Uses energy to destroy targeted tumour tissue | Directly through the skin (Percutaneous) | Directly destroys tumour tissue |
In some cases, interventional treatments may be combined or incorporated into a broader treatment plan.
The appropriate approach depends on the tumour type, location, size, blood supply and overall treatment objectives.
What Are the Potential Risks and Considerations?
Understanding What to Expect
Tumour embolisation is minimally invasive, but as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and considerations.
These may include:
- Temporary discomfort
- Bruising or tenderness at the catheter access site
- Nausea or fatigue
- Temporary fever or flu-like symptoms
- Reaction to contrast material
- The possibility of requiring additional treatment
The specific risks depend on the tumour, its blood supply, the embolisation technique and the patient's overall health.
Your specialist will explain the expected benefits, potential risks and available alternatives before treatment.
Recovery After Tumour Embolisation
What Can You Expect After Treatment?
Recovery varies depending on the tumour being treated, the extent of embolisation and the patient's overall health. The active embolization procedure typically takes 1 to 2 hours (sometimes up to 3 hours for complex arterial networks or multiple tumors). Because tumour embolisation is minimally invasive instead of surgical cuts, recovery is relatively fast compared to open surgery.
After treatment, you may be advised to:
- Rest for a period after the procedure
- Monitor the catheter access site
- Follow medication instructions
- Maintain appropriate hydration when advised
- Gradually return to normal activities
- Attend follow-up appointments
- Complete recommended imaging or blood tests
Some patients may experience temporary fatigue, discomfort, nausea or fever following embolisation. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, you may go home the same day or require an overnight hospital stay (1 to 2 days) for observation.
Your specialist will provide personalised recovery instructions based on your treatment.
Your Tumour Embolisation Treatment Journey
| Step | Stage | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Specialist Assessment | Review your diagnosis, medical history and previous cancer treatments. |
| 2 | Imaging Review | Assess scans to understand the tumour's location, size and blood supply. |
| 3 | Treatment Planning | Determine whether tumour embolisation is appropriate for your individual condition. |
| 4 | Procedure Preparation | Prepare the catheter access site and administer appropriate anaesthesia. |
| 5 | Catheter Placement | Guide a thin catheter through the blood vessels towards the tumour. |
| 6 | Angiographic Assessment | Map the vessels supplying the tumour using image guidance. |
| 7 | Embolisation | Deliver selected embolic material into the targeted tumour-feeding vessels. |
| 8 | Recovery & Follow-Up | Monitor your recovery and arrange appropriate imaging or clinical follow-up. |
Why Choose the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic
Specialist-Led, Minimally Invasive Care Under One Roof
Tumour embolisation requires detailed understanding of blood vessel anatomy, tumour blood supply and image-guided intervention.
At the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, treatment planning considers the patient's individual diagnosis, imaging findings and overall treatment goals.
Care is led by Dr. Manish Taneja, providing specialist interventional expertise and continuity of care under one roof.
Brain-to-Body Interventional Expertise
Dr. Manish Taneja's experience across neurointerventional and peripheral vascular intervention provides broad expertise in image-guided procedures involving blood vessels throughout the body.
Minimally Invasive Treatment
Tumour embolisation is performed through catheter access rather than open surgery.
Image-Guided Precision
Angiography helps identify and safely target the vessels supplying the tumour.
Personalised Treatment Planning
The embolisation approach is determined according to the tumour's anatomy, blood supply and treatment objectives.
Continuum of Care
From specialist assessment and imaging through intervention and follow-up, the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic provides continuity of specialist care under one roof.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tumour Embolisation
How does tumour embolisation work?
A catheter is guided into blood vessels supplying the tumour, where selected embolic material is delivered to reduce or block blood flow.
Why is tumour embolisation performed?
It may be used to reduce a tumour's blood supply, control tumour-related bleeding or support another treatment such as surgery.
Is tumour embolisation a minimally invasive treatment?
Yes. The procedure uses a small catheter rather than open surgical access.
What types of tumours can be treated with embolisation?
Selected tumours with an identifiable and accessible blood supply may be considered, although suitability depends on the individual tumour.
Can tumour embolisation be performed before surgery?
Yes. In selected cases, embolisation may be performed before surgery to reduce the blood supply to a highly vascular tumour.
What is the difference between tumour embolisation and tumour ablation?
Tumour embolisation targets the blood supply to a tumour, while tumour ablation directly destroys targeted tumour tissue using an ablative technique.
Is tumour embolisation suitable for everyone?
Suitability depends on the tumour type, location, size, blood supply, overall health and treatment objectives.
How long does recovery take after tumour embolisation?
Recovery varies depending on the tumour, extent of treatment and individual health. Your specialist will provide personalised recovery guidance. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, you may go home the same day or require an overnight hospital stay (1 to 2 days) for observation. Immediately after the procedure, you must lie flat for 4 to 6 hours to allow the groin access site to seal safely.
Most patients can resume light, around-the-house walking within a couple of days and are able to return to work and light daily activities within 1 to 2 weeks.
Will I need follow-up after tumour embolisation?
Yes. Follow-up may include clinical assessment, imaging and blood tests depending on the tumour and treatment plan.
Specialist Assessment for Tumour Embolisation in Singapore
Tumour treatment is highly individual, and the most appropriate approach depends on the tumour's type, location, size, blood supply and the patient's overall treatment plan. At the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, Dr. Manish Taneja provides specialist image-guided and minimally invasive interventional care for selected conditions requiring vascular intervention.
With expertise spanning the brain and body, the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic provides specialist-led care with assessment, treatment planning, minimally invasive intervention and follow-up under one roof. If tumour embolisation has been recommended or you are exploring whether a minimally invasive interventional approach may be appropriate, a specialist assessment can help clarify the available options for your individual condition.
| Related Treatments |
|---|
|
| Related Conditions |
|---|
|
