Percutaneous Ethanol Injection

With percutaneous ethanol (alcohol) Injection,  surgeons or interventional radiologists locate the tumor, usually with ultrasound guidannce, and pass a needle into the tumor. A liquid containing a high concentration of alcohol is then injected through the needle. The concentrated alcohol destroys whatever cells it comes in contact with. Alcohol injection is most effective with small tumors (less than 3 centimeters).  In some instances, several small tumors can be treated simultansouly.  With liver cancer, this places less stress on the remainder of the liver.