What is Xanthoma?
Xanthoma is a skin condition in which fat builds up under the surface of the skin.
Alternative names
Skin growths - fatty; Xanthelasma
Causes
Xanthomas are common, particularly among older adults and persons with high blood lipids . Xanthomas vary in size. Some are very small, while others are bigger than 3 inches in diameter. They may appear anywhere on the body, but are most often seen on the elbows, joints, tendons, knees, hands, feet, or buttocks. They may be a sign of a medical condition that involves an increase in blood lipids. Such conditions include: Diabetes Primary biliary cirrhosis Certain cancers Inherit...
What is Xanthoma?
Xanthoma is a skin condition in which fat builds up under the surface of the skin.
Alternative names
Skin growths - fatty; Xanthelasma
Causes
Xanthomas are common, particularly among older adults and persons with high blood lipids.
Xanthomas vary in size. Some are very small, while others are bigger than 3 inches in diameter. They may appear anywhere on the body, but are most often seen on the elbows, joints, tendons, knees, hands, feet, or buttocks.
They may be a sign of a medical condition that involves an increase in blood lipids. Such conditions include:
Xanthelasma palpebra is a common type of xanthoma that appears on the eyelids.
Symptoms & Signs
A xanthoma looks like a sore or bump under the skin. It's usually flat, soft to the touch, and yellow in color. It has sharp, distinct edges.
Exams and Tests
Your doctor will examine the skin. Usually, your doctor can diagnose a xanthoma simply by looking at your skin. A biopsy of the growth will show a fatty deposit.
Treatments
If you have a disease that causes increased blood lipids, treating the condition may help reduce the development of xanthomas.
If the growth bothers you, your doctor may remove it. However, xanthomas may come back after surgery.
Prognosis
The growth is non-cancerous and painless, but may be a sign of another medical condition.
Possible Complications
The growth may cause a change in how you look. This is called cosmetic disfiguring.
When to contact a medical professional
Call your health care provider if xanthomas develop. They may indicate an underlying disorder that needs treatment.
Prevention
Control of blood lipids, including triglycerides and cholesterol levels, may help to reduce development of xanthomas.
References
Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004.
Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2004.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2008 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Review Date: .4/16/2007
Reviewed By: Michael S. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.4/16/2007
