Xanthoma (patient information): Difference between revisions
| Line 34: | Line 34: | ||
==When to seek urgent medical care== | ==When to seek urgent medical care== | ||
Call your [[health care provider]] if [[xanthomas]] develop. They may indicate an underlying [[disorder]] that needs [[treatment]]. | |||
==Treatment options== | ==Treatment options== | ||
Revision as of 18:35, 26 March 2010
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-in-Chief: Alexandra M. Palmer
Please Join in Editing This Page and Apply to be an Editor-In-Chief for this topic: There can be one or more than one Editor-In-Chief. You may also apply to be an Associate Editor-In-Chief of one of the subtopics below. Please mail us [1] to indicate your interest in serving either as an Editor-In-Chief of the entire topic or as an Associate Editor-In-Chief for a subtopic. Please be sure to attach your CV and or biographical sketch.
What is Xanthoma?
Xanthoma is a skin condition in which fat builds up under the surface of the skin.
What are the symptoms of Xanthoma?
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.
What causes Xanthoma?
Xanthomas are common, particularly among older adults and people 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:
- Certain cancers
- Diabetes
- Inherited metabolic disorders such as familial hypercholesterolemia
- Primary biliary cirrhosis
Xanthelasma palpebra, a common type of xanthoma that appears on the eyelids and may occur without any underlying medical condition, is not necessarily associated with elevated cholesterol or lipids.
Who is at risk for Xanthoma?
How do I know I have Xanthoma?
Your health care provider will examine the skin. Usually, a diagnose of xanthoma can be made by looking at your skin. A biopsy of the growth will show a fatty deposit.
You may have blood tests done to check lipid levels, liver function, and for diabetes.
When to seek urgent medical care
Call your health care provider if xanthomas develop. They may indicate an underlying disorder that needs treatment.
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for Xanthoma
Directions to Hospitals Treating Xanthoma