It is a skin condition in which fat is deposited beneath the skin surface.
Causes, incidence and risk factors
Xanthomas are common, especially among older adults and among people with high blood lipids.
Xanthomas may vary in size. Some are very small, while others are bigger than 3 inches (7, 5 cm) in diameter. They can appear anywhere on the body but occur most often on the elbows, joints, tendons, knees, hands, feet and buttocks.
Xanthomas may be a sign of a medical condition that involves an increase in blood lipids. Some of these disorders are:
* Diabetes
* Primary biliary cirrhosis
* Certain cancers
* Inherited metabolic disorders such as familial hypercholesterolemia
The eyelid xanthelasma is a common type of xanthoma that appears on the eyelids.
Symptoms
A xanthoma looks like a sore or bump under the skin and usually flat, soft to the touch and yellow, with clearly defined edges.
Exams and Tests
The doctor examines the skin and usually can diagnose a xanthoma simply by looking. A biopsy of the tumor shows a fatty deposit.
Treatment
If a person has a disease that causes increased blood lipids, treating the condition can help reduce development of xanthomas.
The doctor may remove the tumor if it gets annoying, however, xanthomas may come back after surgery.
Expectations (prognosis)
The tumor is not cancerous and painless, but can be a sign of another medical condition.
Complications
The growth may cause a change in the appearance of the person, which is called cosmetic disfiguring.
Calling your health care
Call your health care provider if xanthomas develop which may indicate an underlying disorder that needs treatment.
Prevention
Controlling blood lipids, including triglycerides and cholesterol, may help reduce the development of xanthomas.
Alternative Names
Skin growths fatty; Xanthelasma
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