Treatment using high-frequency radiation.
A form of diathermy using electromagnetic waves of extremely short wavelength. In modem apparatus the electric currents induced in the tissues have frequencies of up to 25,000 million cycles per second.
A type of diathermy employs microwaves, which are electromagnetic waves with extremely short wavelengths. In one application of microwave therapy, these waves are channeled through probes into tumors to eliminate or reduce the size of the abnormal tissue. This approach is currently being explored as a potential treatment for breast cancer and prostate cancer. Microwave therapy is also utilized for addressing benign prostatic hypertrophy, although its efficacy is somewhat lower compared to alternative treatments.