A dipole microwave applicator emits microwave radiation into tissue to be treated. The applicator is formed from a thin coax cable having an inner conductor surrounded by an insulator, which is surrounded by an outer conductor. A portion of the inner conductor extends beyond the insulator and the outer conductor. A ferrule at the end of the outer conductor has a step and a sleeve that surrounds a portion of the extended inner conductor. A tuning washer is attached to the end of the extended inner conductor. A dielectric tip encloses the tuning washer, the extended inner conductor, and the sleeve of the ferrule. The sleeve of the ferrule and the extended inner conductor operate as the two arms of the dipole microwave antenna. The tuning washer faces the step in the ferrule, and is sized and shaped to cooperate with the step in balancing and tuning the applicator.