Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable
Age: 18Years +
All Genders
ID06903208

Radiofrequency Ablation as a Scar-free, Non-operative Approach to Treatment of Superficial Lipomas

Led by Columbia University · Updated on 2025-07-18

10

Participants Needed

1

Research Sites

N/A

Total Duration

On this page

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Lipomas are benign fatty tissue lumps under the skin that affect about 1 in 1000 people. They rarely cause symptoms but can lead to emotional distress because of their appearance. This research investigates radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as a non-surgical treatment option for superficial lipomas, aiming to avoid the visible scars caused by traditional surgical removal. RFA uses heat from a high-frequency current to destroy targeted tissue and has been applied successfully in other benign and malignant conditions, but not yet for lipomas. In this single-arm study, all participants will receive the radiofrequency ablation procedure. After numbing the skin, a thin needle probe guided by ultrasound is inserted into the lipoma to deliver heat that melts the fatty tissue. The melted tissue is then aspirated out. This approach is being studied to determine if it can effectively treat lipomas without surgery and scarring. Participants will be followed for up to 12 months after the procedure, with assessments at 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months. Researchers will measure patient satisfaction and changes in the size of the lipoma. They will also monitor for any complications during these follow-ups. The study aims to provide information about the safety and effectiveness of RFA as a scar-free alternative for treating superficial lipomas.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

RFA for Superficial Lipomas

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years +
All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible

You may qualify if you...

  • Patients over 18 years old
  • Patients with a lipoma smaller than 5 cm located above the fascia on the trunk, abdomen, or extremities
Not Eligible

You will not qualify if you...

  • Lipomas located on the face or neck
  • Angiolipomas identified as firm, mobile, occasionally discolored masses
  • History of hereditary retinoblastoma, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, or Werner syndrome
  • History of exposure to herbicides, arsenic, or dioxin
  • History of radiation treatment for other cancers

AI-Screening

AI-Powered Screening

Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility

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Your Study Journey

Screening

Duration - 2 to 4 weeks

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.

1 visit (in-person)

Implementation

Duration - Single procedure visit

Participants receive radiofrequency ablation using a probe guided by ultrasound to melt and aspirate the lipoma.

1 procedure visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Duration - 12 months

Participants are followed to assess patient satisfaction, lesion volume change, and complications after the procedure.

3 visits (1 month, 6 months, and 12 months post-procedure)

Trial Site Locations

Total: 1 location

1

Columbia University Irving Medical Center

New York, New York, United States, 10032

Actively Recruiting

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How is the study designed?

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Masking

NONE

Allocation

NA

Model

SINGLE_GROUP

Primary Purpose

TREATMENT

Number of Arms

1

Frequently Asked Questions

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