Onco Interventions
What Are Onco Interventions?
Onco-interventions are minimally invasive, image-guided procedures performed by interventional radiologists to diagnose and treat cancer and its complications.
These treatments are delivered through tiny skin punctures using ultrasound, CT scan, or fluoroscopy, avoiding large surgical incisions.
They play a vital role in cancer care by offering targeted tumor treatment, accurate tissue diagnosis, pain relief, drainage of cancer-related collections, and management of complications such as bile duct blockage, urinary obstruction, or bleeding. Onco-interventions are often used alongside surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy - and in many cases, provide a safer alternative for patients who are unfit for major surgery.
Symptoms for Onco-Interventions
Cancer and tumor-related conditions can affect normal organ function and lead to distressing symptoms. Onco-interventions help manage both early and advanced disease by treating tumors directly or relieving complications caused by tumor growth.
Persistent Pain Due to Tumor Pressure
Pain caused by tumors pressing on nerves, organs, or bones that does not respond adequately to medication.
Repeated build-up of fluid in the abdomen, chest, or around organs causing breathlessness, discomfort, or infection.
Yellowing of eyes or skin due to bile duct blockage from liver or pancreatic tumors.
Difficulty Urinating or Kidney Swelling
Tumor-related urinary obstruction leading to reduced urine output or kidney damage.
Unexplained Bleeding
Active bleeding from tumors or abnormal blood vessels causing anemia or instability.
Suspicious Lumps or Lesions
Masses requiring precise biopsy for cancer diagnosis and treatment planning.
Persistent Pain Due to Tumor Pressure
Pain caused by tumors pressing on nerves, organs, or bones that does not respond adequately to medication.
Recurrent Fluid Accumulation
Repeated build-up of fluid in the abdomen, chest, or around organs causing breathlessness, discomfort, or infection.
Obstructive Jaundice
Yellowing of eyes or skin due to bile duct blockage from liver or pancreatic tumors.
Difficulty Urinating or Kidney Swelling
Tumor-related urinary obstruction leading to reduced urine output or kidney damage.
Unexplained Bleeding
Active bleeding from tumors or abnormal blood vessels causing anemia or instability.
Suspicious Lumps or Lesions
Masses requiring precise biopsy for cancer diagnosis and treatment planning.
Aftercare & Lifestyle
Recommendations
Common Causes for Onco-Interventions
Tumors Involving Vital Organs
Liver, lungs, kidneys, thyroid, bones, or soft tissue tumors requiring targeted therapy.
Blocked Bile Ducts
Tumor compression causing jaundice or kidney
dysfunction.
Recurrent Cancer-Related Fluid Collections
Ascites, pleural effusion, or abscesses requiring repeated
drainage.
Need for Accurate Tissue Diagnosis
USG or CT-guided biopsies for definitive cancer diagnosis.
Requirement for Targeted Tumor Therapy
Localized treatment such as embolization or ablation.
Diagnostic Tests for Onco Interventions
Accurate imaging is essential for safe planning and precise execution of onco-interventional procedures. These tests help identify tumor location, size, blood supply, and surrounding structures.
Ultrasound (USG)
Provides real-time guidance for biopsies, drainages, catheter placements, and ablation procedures with high accuracy.
CT Scan
Offers detailed cross-sectional images for tumor mapping, staging, and procedural planning.
Fluoroscopy
Live X-ray imaging used during biliary drainage, vascular access, and embolization procedures.
Angiography
Visualizes tumor blood supply before embolization or targeted arterial therapies like TACE or TARE.
Specialized Procedures Under Onco Interventions
Biopsies & Drainage
Biopsies and drainage procedures play a crucial role in diagnosing and relieving complications related to cancer. These interventions help obtain accurate tissue samples for diagnosis and manage abnormal fluid or infection build-up caused by tumors. They provide timely relief, reduce discomfort, and support better treatment planning with minimal impact on the patient’s daily life.
TACE (Trans-Arterial Chemoembolization)
TACE is used for cancers where targeted treatment inside the blood supply of the tumor offers better disease control. It helps slow tumor growth, reduce symptoms, and improve outcomes in patients who may not be suitable for surgery. This focused approach allows treatment to act directly on the tumor while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.
Tumor Ablation
Tumor ablation is a minimally invasive option used to destroy tumors without open surgery. It is commonly used when precise local treatment is needed with faster recovery and organ preservation. Ablation helps control tumor progression, reduce pain, and improve quality of life, especially in patients requiring targeted therapy.
Other Miscellaneous Onco Services
Other Miscellaneous Venous Services include advanced, minimally invasive treatments for conditions like USG guided lines and catheter insertion, Chemo-Port, Y-90 Trans-arterial Radioembolization (TARE), Angio-Embolisation for active bleeders, Pre-operative Embolisation of Vascular tumours. These services address needs such as targeted radiation delivery, control of tumor-related bleeding, long-term treatment access, and pre-surgical tumor management.
Benefits of
Minimally Invasive Onco Interventions
Procedures are performed through tiny image guided punctures, avoiding large incisions and surgical trauma.
Most patients recover quickly and can resume routine activities within a short time.
Less blood loss, lower infection risk, and significantly reduced post-procedure discomfort.
Ideal for elderly patients or those unfit for major surgery due to advanced disease or medical conditions.
Effective symptom relief, better disease control, and enhanced overall comfort during cancer care.
Aftercare & Lifestyle Recommendations
Follow prescribed medications
Report fever, pain, or swelling early
Attend scheduled imaging follow-ups
Maintain nutrition and hydration
WHY CONSULT
Dr. Vatsal Agrawal?
01. Dual FVIR Fellowships
Advanced training from Nanavati Max Hospital and Mumbai Vascular Foundation (MVF).
02. Experience Across Major Hospitals
Worked with top centres including Hinduja, Saifee, Breach Candy, Nanavati Max, Raheja, and Heart & Vascular Superspeciality Hospitals.
03. Expertise in Cancer-Focused Interventions
Skilled in biopsies, ablations, embolization, TACE, TARE, and supportive onco-procedures.
04. Patient-Focused Approach
Clear communication, personalized treatment plans, and thorough follow-up for the best long-term results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most are done under local anesthesia with minimal discomfort.
In selected cases, yes - especially for high-risk patients.
Yes, many are designed to support or complement chemotherapy.
Most patients recover within 1–2 days.
Yes, all are image-guided for precision and safety.
Yes, many procedures directly target and shrink tumors.
International Recognition & Approval
Trans-Arterial Chemoembolization (TACE)
Approved by the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO)
TACE is internationally recognised as an effective and well-established treatment for selected liver cancers. According to the European Society of Medical Oncology, TACE plays a key role in controlling tumour growth, improving survival, and managing symptoms. It is widely accepted as a standard, evidence-based, minimally invasive cancer treatment across Europe and globally.
Dr. Vatsal Agrawal
He is a skilled Vascular & Interventional Radiologist known for performing advanced, minimally invasive arterial treatments with precision and safety.
Book Your Consultation With Dr. Vatsal
Get targeted, image-guided cancer care with minimally invasive onco-interventional treatments designed for safety, comfort, and better outcomes.
