RFA for Superficial Lipomas

Launched by COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY · Mar 24, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new treatment option called radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for people with superficial lipomas, which are non-cancerous lumps made of fatty tissue that can appear under the skin. While these growths are usually harmless, they can be bothersome for many people because of their appearance. Currently, the common treatment is surgical removal, which can leave a visible scar. The trial aims to see if RFA can be an effective, non-surgical alternative that reduces these lipomas without the need for cuts or stitches.

To participate in the trial, you need to be over 18 years old and have a lipoma that is smaller than 5 cm and located on your trunk, abdomen, or arms and legs. Unfortunately, lipomas on the face or neck, as well as certain specific types of lipomas and other medical conditions, will exclude you from joining. If you qualify, you can expect to receive the RFA treatment, which uses heat to target and shrink the lipoma while minimizing the risk of scarring. This trial is currently recruiting participants, and it's an exciting opportunity to explore a potentially easier way to manage these growths.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients \>18 years old
• • Patients with a lipoma \<5 cm, above the fascia on the trunk, abdomen or extremities
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Lipomas of the face or neck
• • Angiolipomas (identified on exam as a firm, mobile, occasionally discolored mass)
• • Patients with history of hereditary retinoblastoma, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis and Werner syndrome
• • A history of exposure to herbicides, arsenic and dioxin
• • A history of radiation treatment for other cancers