Actively Recruiting
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
Eligibility Criteria
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
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
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
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)
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
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
1
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