Microwave ablation is a technique for treating certain types of cancer, whereby a microwave antenna is positioned inside the target tumour by an interventional radiologist.

A group of Maltese radiology trainees have won a renowned competition in which they have to come up with the right diagnosis on a monthly basis for a whole year. This is the third year that the Mater Dei team has placed first within the international resident group category in the challenge set by the medical journal Radiology, which is published by the Radiological Society of North America.

The applications of microwaves are vast, ranging from the most known one of warming food to satellite communication; they are now even found in hospitals. Microwaves have proven to be useful both for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes.

Some types of kidney cancers can now be eradicated without the need of surgery – by means of the insertion of a microwave needle – and with the patient being able to go home the next day. A group of young radiologists have recently completed their six-year training in Malta and abroad and are offering new services at Mater Dei which were previously either not available or only available abroad.