Definition

Xanthoma is a condition in which fatty deposits form beneath the skin. They range from very small to up to 3 inches in size. Xanthomas can be cosmetically disfiguring. Xanthomas may appear anywhere on the body, but are most frequently found on the elbows, joints, tendons, knees, hands, feet, and buttocks.

Xanthelasma is a form of xanthoma that appears on the eyelids.

Causes

Xanthoma is typically caused by:

• Elevated levels of fats in the blood
• Metabolic disorders including:
  • Diabetes
  • Primary biliary cirrhosis
  • Inherited metabolic disorders like high levels of cholesterol in the blood
  • Some cancers

Although xanthelasma may be associated with high triglyceride and cholesterol levels, it can occur without cholesterol problems.

Risk Factors

Xanthoma is more common in older adults. Factors that may increase your chance of xanthoma include:

• Having a metabolic disorder listed above
• Having extremely high cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels

Symptoms

Xanthoma may cause:

• Bumps under the skin
• Skin lesions that are:
  • Many different shapes
  • Yellow to orange
  • Have well-defined borders

Xanthomas may be tender, itchy, and painful.

Diagnosis

Xanthoma is usually diagnosed by examining the skin growths. A biopsy of the tissue will confirm a fatty deposit.

A blood lipid profile and other tests may be done to determine the underlying condition responsible for the appearance of xanthomas.

Treatment

Treating xanthoma consists of treating and controlling the underlying health conditions that cause the fatty deposits to develop. Better control of the metabolic disorders that can lead to xanthoma can reduce their occurrence.

Xanthomas that are removed can return after treatment.

Other treatment options for xanthomas include:

Prevention

To help reduce your chances of xanthoma:

• Keep blood lipids and cholesterol at a healthy level
• Keep metabolic disorders well-controlled

Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians http://familydoctor.org

HealthLinkBC http://www.healthlinkbc.ca

Xanthomas. DermNet NZ website. Available at:
http://www.dermnetnz.org/dermal-infiltrative/xanthoma.html
Updated November 8, 2014. Accessed June 4, 2015.