Xanthelasma
| Xanthelasma | |
 | |
|---|---|
| ICD-10 | H02.6 |
| ICD-9 | 374.51 |
| DiseasesDB | 28519 |
| MedlinePlus | 001447 |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Xanthelasma (or xanthelasma palpebrarum) is a sharply demarcated yellowish collection of cholesterol underneath the skin, usually on or around the eyelids. The plural is "xanthelasmata". The root of the word is from Greek xanthos, ξανθος, "yellow".
Xanthelasma are distinct from xanthoma which are larger and nodular, lesions.[1] Xanthelasma are sometimes classified as a subtype of xanthoma.[2]
Epidemiology and Demographics
They are common in people of Asian extraction and those from the Mediterranean region.
Natural History, Complications, Prognosis
The lesions are not harmful or painful. If there is no family history of xanthelasmata, the lesion may indicate that the cholesterol is elevated, and may be associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis.
Differential Diagnosis of Associated Conditions
- High cholesterol levels (specifically familial hypercholesterolemia)
- Primary biliary cirrhosis
- Menopause
- Diabetes
Treatment
These minor growths may be disfiguring and can be removed. Xanthelasmata can be removed with trichloroacetic acid peel, surgery, lasers or cryotherapy. Removal can cause scarring and pigment changes, but it is unusual after treatment with trichloroacetic acid.
See also
- Xanthoma (similar collections of cholesterol around tendons)
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Template:WH Template:WikiDoc Sources
- ↑ Shields, Carol; Shields, Jerry (2008). Eyelid, conjunctival, and orbital tumors: atlas and textbook. Hagerstwon, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN 0-7817-7578-7.
- ↑ thefreedictionary.com > xanthelasma Citing: The American Heritage Medical Dictionary Copyright 2007, 2004 and Mosby's Medical Dictionary, 8th edition. 2009