Research
Dermatologic indications for microwave-induced local hyperthermia
January 6, 2026
This review assesses the Swift® microwave system, to heat tissue to a sub-ablative 40–50 °C, as a non-invasive treatment for superficial skin conditions.
Eight new case reports showed clinical resolution of plantar, common and anogenital warts, molluscum contagiosum, mild onychomycosis, actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma and nodular cystic acne, with no adverse events reported. Published data support these findings, with clearance in 90.6% of plantar wart patients and 90% of treated actinic keratoses, 4 of 6 squamous cell carcinoma in situ lesions confirmed clear by biopsy, and meaningful pain reduction in hidradenitis suppurativa and intractable plantar keratosis. Compared with cryotherapy, microwave treatment offers adjustable dosing and shorter-lasting pain, with 90% of patients pain-free 10 minutes after treatment versus 62% for cryotherapy, and remote clearance of untreated lesions suggests an immune-mediated effect. However, the authors note the evidence is preliminary, with no controlled trials, limited safety reporting, unknown effects in darker skin types and an unconfirmed mechanism, and they call for larger studies to establish optimal dosing, recurrence rates and long-term safety.