Xanthoma (patient information)
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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?
When to seek urgent medical care
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for Xanthoma
Directions to Hospitals Treating Xanthoma