Treatment of superficial lipomas using radiofrequency ablation

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

NA · Columbia University · NCT06903208

This study is testing if a new heat treatment called radiofrequency ablation can safely remove small fatty tumors called lipomas without causing scars for adults.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorColumbia University (other)
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT06903208 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the use of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to treat superficial lipomas, which are benign fatty tumors that can cause emotional distress due to their appearance. The study aims to provide a less invasive alternative to surgical excision, which often results in visible scarring. Patients over 18 with lipomas smaller than 5 cm located on the trunk, abdomen, or extremities are eligible for participation. The RFA technique utilizes heat generated by high-frequency alternating current to ablate the fatty tissue without the need for traditional surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with superficial lipomas smaller than 5 cm located on the trunk, abdomen, or extremities.

Not a fit: Patients with lipomas on the face or neck, or those with specific medical histories such as hereditary syndromes or prior radiation treatment, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a scar-free treatment option for patients with superficial lipomas.

How similar studies have performed: While RFA has been successfully applied in other medical contexts, this specific application for superficial lipomas is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion 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

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Lipoma, lipoma, ablation, fatty tissue, fatty tumor, scarring, minimally invasive

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.