High-intensity focused ultrasound is one of the most innovative technologies to hit the cancer treatment market in recent years, and although its applications remain largely clinical, it is now showing increasing signs of promise for use in a wide range of other industries. In this article from HIFU Prostate Services, we take a look at some of the professional spheres where this ultrasonic tech is making waves — quite literally!

For more information about high-intensity focused ultrasound and how it may help you or someone you know treat their prostate cancer in a safe, effective, and non-invasive way, please contact a HIFU Prostate Services facility near you today!

HIFU For Cancer Treatment and Clinical Therapies

Believe it or not, HIFU was first developed all the way back in the 1940s as a thermal tissue ablation method. Over the past several decades, the technical tactic has made a name for itself as a result of its immense efficacy in treating certain types of cancers and in performing some therapeutic procedures in clinics.

In particular, high-intensity focused ultrasound has been used to treat non-metastatic tumors, which are cancerous growths that have not spread to more than one area of the body. It’s not effective against all types of cancer, but it still addresses a great number of them. Kidney, uterine, prostate, liver (primary and secondary), and pancreatic cancer can all be potentially mitigated or treated with HIFU.

Before HIFU became well-known, it was difficult to reach cancer sites in or on the internal organs, also called viscera, without resorting to surgical and invasive methods. Since HIFU requires no incisions, anesthesia, or invasive procedures, it is especially suited for carcinomas of the visceral region.

You may be wondering: Why are these kinds of cancer treated with HIFU and not, say, something more commonly diagnosed, like skin cancer or melanoma? We’ll get into that next!

HIFU Makes Its Way To The Med Spa

Anyone who enjoys the occasional massage or manicure has likely heard of or visited a medical spa. More commonly referred to as a med spa, these locations generally use semi-technical devices and procedures to provide a range of functional, physical, and cosmetic services for overall wellness. For instance, many med spas offer collagen injections and dermal fillers that can improve the appearance of skin as well as help to manage certain chronic conditions, from the relatively benign, such as fine lines and occasional acne, to the more chronic and serious, such as migraines or scleroderma.

An increasing number of med spas are beginning to use high-intensity focused ultrasound in their suite of services. More specifically, HIFU has shown promising results as a non-surgical alternative for dermal rejuvenation, facelifts, and even body contouring (also known as “skin remodeling”).

When administered with specialized settings and devices to lower its intensity, high-intensity focused ultrasound can stimulate collagen production in the skin, creating a more youthful and full appearance. Furthermore, a more highly concentrated stream of ultrasonic energy can reduce the visibility of cellulite and other cosmetic issues related to distribution of fat cells.

How Does HIFU Methodology Differ Between Clinical & Therapeutic Industries?

HIFU works by using a beam of concentrated sound waves to generate heat in a targeted area of tissue, but this doesn’t mean all thermal settings or treatment results are identical. If the temperatures generated by HIFU are significant enough to destroy the tissue. This is ideal in cases of cancer, but not-so-optimal if you’re merely looking to switch up your usual Botox routine. In cases of cancer treatment, HIFU is considered to be an ablative method. By contrast, at a med spa this ablative, tissue-killing methodology is not typically employed or, if so, it is employed to much less drastic degree.

A med spa HIFU treatment uses a different intensity of sonic wave energy which involves a lower level of heat, administered with a specialized focused ultrasound device. This results in stimulation of superficial layers of tissues (and some subdermal layers) but generally does not cause enough damage to rupture, or lyse, the cell walls and membranes. Thus, HIFU can be an effective method for increasing the body’s production of collagen or reducing the appearance of fat cells, thereby producing beneficial effects, whether the service is aimed to elicit aesthetic improvements or to aid in the alleviation of symptoms from chronic conditions.

Be Sure To Use A Trustworthy HIFU Service Provider

High-intensity focused ultrasound is undoubtedly a fascinating treatment methodology with a huge potential for further expansion in its applications. Be sure that when you do pursue a HIFU procedure — whether it is at one of our certified clinics or at a trendy therapeutic day spa — that you are receiving the service from a qualified professional with adequate training and experience.

In the case of a disease as serious as prostate cancer, this awareness is especially important. At HIFU Prostate Services, we provide non-invasive HIFU treatment for the ablation of tissue affected by prostate cancer. With locations around the nation, it is easy to locate a treatment center near you. Visit us online today to learn more about what we do, who we are, and where to find us!